The Impact of Direct Intervention on Communication Board Use

Article type: Research Article

Authors: McCleary, Muireann^a | Lynch, Yvonne^b

Affiliations: [a] Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland | [b] Senior Speech and Language Therapist, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract: This study examined the impact of direct therapeutic intervention on syntactic-based communication board use. Subjects were aged 8–18 years and used alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) to communicate. Using a multiple baseline study, each subject was given a syntactic layout communication board. All subjects underwent assessment using the board and subsequent second assessment on a staggered basis, prior to commencing therapy. An intervention programme was devised which focused on teaching language in a syntactic format. Reassessment followed. Implications for therapeutic input are discussed.

Keywords: direct intervention, development of expressive language, communication board

DOI: 10.3233/ACS-2005-15105

Journal: Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 25-41, 2005