Predictors of Expressive Language Change for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Receiving AAC-Infused Comprehensive Intervention.
Veronica FrewerJessica PaynterGiacomo VivantiDeb KeenDavid TrembathPublished in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders (2020)
Comprehensive interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often incorporate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); however, variability in outcomes exists even among children who access similar intervention. This study investigated predictors of expressive language change for 48 children with ASD aged 31 to 67 months receiving AAC-infused intervention. The relationships between participants' initial responses to AAC and expressive language change were examined. Commonly reported predictors (IQ, chronological age, ASD symptomatology) did not significantly predict expressive language change. AAC factors (visual attention, object play, word learning) entered at Step 2 of a hierarchical multiple regression, explained an additional 42% of the variance. The findings provide preliminary data on child characteristics associated with expressive language changes within AAC-infused comprehensive interventions.
Keyphrases
- autism spectrum disorder
- randomized controlled trial
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- intellectual disability
- young adults
- physical activity
- working memory
- mental health
- type diabetes
- adipose tissue
- machine learning
- electronic health record
- insulin resistance
- big data
- atomic force microscopy
- artificial intelligence