“Two Friends Spending Time Together”: The Impact of Video Visual Scene Displays on Peer Social Interaction for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose Social interaction poses many challenges for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and complex communication needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of video visual scene displays (video VSDs) on communication during interactions between adolescents with ASD and peer partners. Method This study used an across-participant multiple-baseline single-case experimental design. Four adolescents with ASD and complex communication needs were taught to use video VSDs, presented on a tablet-based app, during social interactions with peer partners in a high school setting. The video VSDs used during the interactions were selected (and programmed with vocabulary) based on the interests of the adolescent with ASD and their peer partner. Results Following the introduction of the video VSD intervention, all four adolescents with ASD demonstrated an increase in communicative turns compared to baseline (Tau- U = 1.0, 95% CI [0.56, 1]), and all four increased in modes of communication used. Increased use of speech also was observed for the three participants who made use of speech prior to the intervention. All participants with ASD (and their peer partners) expressed an interest in continued use of the video VSD app to support social interaction. Conclusion The use of video VSDs may be a viable option to increase the participation and communication of adolescents with ASD during social interactions with peer partners. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16734532

When you are not here, I cannot do what I want on the tablet – The use of ICT to promote social participation of young people with intellectual disabilities

“…Current studies show examples of how apps for communication can increase social participation for young people with intellectual disabilities (e.g. Babb et al, 2021 ; Caron, 2018 ) and giving supporting staff access to knowledge about new innovations is therefore essential.…”

“… Murphy & Cameron 2008 ; Stans et al, 2019 ; Stewart et al, 2018 ). In this area, development is progressing rapidly and new digital tools are being tested, such as apps that support communication, thus facilitating participation for young people with complex communication difficulties ( Babb et al, 2021 ; Caron, 2018 ). Such assistive technology can also facilitate everyday activities and can lead to less reliance on parents or professionals ( Buchholz et al, 2018 ; Stephenson & Limbrick, 2015 ).…”

Personalized AAC Intervention to Increase Participation and Communication for a Young Adult With Down Syndrome

“…Recent research provides initial evidence that video VSDs may assist individuals with complex communication needs during a variety of communication contexts. For example, Babb, McNaughton, Light, and Caron (2020) reported that a video VSD intervention increased communication between adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their peers with typical development during social interactions. Video VSDs also can be used to provide participation and communication supports during a wide range of community activities, including interactions with unfamiliar communication partners.…”

“…Increases were observed for both completion of community-based activities (e.g., working in a printshop, riding public transportation) and communication (e.g., greeting office staff). In a study with four adolescents with developmental delays, Babb, McNaughton, Light, Caron, et al (2020) described how the use of video VSD supports resulted in increases in communication and participation for all four participants as they worked as volunteers at a food bank.…”

“…Although video VSD interventions have been demonstrated to provide important supports for communication and participation for persons with complex communication needs, much of the research to date has been conducted with younger individuals with ASD (Babb, McNaughton, Light, Caron, et al, 2020; Caron et al, 2018; Laubscher et al, 2019). There is a need to understand better the impact of a video VSD approach with adults with DS, who typically present with substantially different communication and participation profiles than that with individuals with ASD (Esbensen et al, 2010; Loveland & Kelley, 1988).…”