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Electronic Screen Media (ESM): Teaching children with Autism to communicate more effectively!
A new study by Dr. Howard Shane finds that video and computer-based programs can significantly improve the communication skills of children with ASD.
“In our study, the majority of students learned language concepts when given an opportunity to use video based instruction paired with graphic symbols,” said Dr. Shane, who is Director of the Center of Communications Enhancement at Children’s Hospital, Boston.
Dr Shane presented his findings at a recent meeting of the American Speech and Hearing Association. The study will be published later this year in the Journal of Speech and Hearing Research.
Dr. Shane is also Associate Professor of Otology and Laryngology at Harvard University. His ongoing research focuses on enhancing the expression of people with communication disorders, especially those with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorders.
The ultimate goal of this current study is to develop an electronic screen media (ESM) environment -- which includes an Intelligent Agent (IA) that enables children with ASD to communicate more effectively.
Initially, the project explored which features or patterns of features of video and computer-based programs are most appealing to persons with ASD. Dr. Shane and his colleagues will use this data to modify and adapt a prototype ESM research environment. They will then employ the ESM to test the effectiveness of using a computer-based IA to support the communication efforts/skills development of individuals with ASD.
Based on his focus on communication skills, Dr. Shane emphasizes the importance of a complete assessment of the child’s abilities before beginning intervention. He cautions that speech pathologists tend not to do as much evaluation of children with autism as they do for other communication disorders. A thorough assessment is the foundation of any intervention program, he explains.
For time based exercises and skill development, Dr. Shane and his team use “a number of timers, but most often we recommend the Time Timer. We use it in our clinical practice, as well.”
We find that when children who have trouble with temporal concepts, can see time visually, it helps them to organize their day. If they can see how long they’re going to be working in a particular activity, this will often reduce their disruptive behavior.”
Read more about Dr. Howard Shane and his work at Children’s Hospital, Boston, and at Harvard University.
