Effectiveness of a speech-generating device on teaching multi-step requesting to children with autism

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of speech-generating device and instruction package on teaching multi-step requesting to children with autism and evaluate in terms of maintenance and generalization of the skill. Social validity data collected from parents and teachers as well. Three male participants with autism whose age ranged from 4-5 participated in the study and the study was conducted by using multiple probe across participants design. Findings of the study showed that speech-generating device and instruction package were effective on teaching multi-step requesting to all participants. Furthermore, target skill was maintained and generalized with different material and people. Social validity findings indicated that opinions of the mothers and teachers were positive. On the other hand one of the participant's father stated that he concerned with the negative effects of using tablet computers. Findings were discussed in regards to the parents' opinions and suggestions were given.