An examination of the effectiveness of video modelling intervention using a speech-generating device in preschool children at risk for autism.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether preschool children at risk for autism would learn to request a preferred object using a speech-generating device (SGD) following a video modelling (VM) intervention and generalize requesting behaviours to preferred objects across stimuli and communication partners.
METHOD: A single-subject multiple baseline design across participants (n = 3) was used to assess the effects of VM intervention on requesting behaviour. Intervention consisted of having each participant view a VM of two adults demonstrating the requesting of a preferred object using the SGD. Additionally, a least-to-most-prompting technique was employed to facilitate the production of a correct response.
RESULTS: All three participants demonstrated the ability to request preferred objects following the intervention and were able to generalize the newly acquired requesting behaviour across stimuli and people.
CONCLUSIONS: Study findings indicate that a VM treatment package is effective in facilitating communication in children with little or no functional speech.