Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Dukes, Charles

Abstract

Intervention packages combing behavioral interventions (e.g., time delay, physical prompting, or prompt fading) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems have proven to be effective in developing communication skills for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Charlop-Christy et al., 2002; Greenberg et al., 2014). However, both preservice and in-service speech language pathologists have limited exposure to the benefits of using behavioral interventions to teach non-vocal functional communication skills (King et al., 2014; Muharib et al., 2019). This study used a multiple probe design across participants design to examine the effects of an online training package to teach speech-language pathologists (SLP) to use a behavioral intervention that combines backward chaining and AAC systems to increase non-vocal requesting of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two preservice SLPs completed three self-guided video modules on backward chaining and augmentative and alternative communication, engaged in role plays with an adult confederate, and participated in live feedback sessions. Once completed, preservice SLPs learned to use a backward chaining procedure with a communication board to teach children with ASD non-vocal requesting. Results showed that the online training package was effective in increasing the knowledge and skills of the preservice SLPs in using backward chaining to support AAC use and increase the child’s non-vocal requesting.

Extent

80 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Dissertation (PhD)--Florida Atlantic University, 2024.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00014503

Format

pdf

Download

Share

COinS