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| The Evidence Base for Speech-Language Interventions: Behavioral Interventions of Stuttering, Manual signs, and PECS |
| Monday, May 25, 2009 |
| 3:00 PM–4:20 PM |
| North 122 BC |
| Area: EDC/AUT; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Chair: Ralf Schlosser (Northeastern University) |
| Abstract: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is gradually gaining momentum applied behavior analysis. Behavioral interventions play a critical role for speech-language pathologists. To engage in EBP, it is important to understand the empirical support behind various interventions. In order to determine the evidence-base for any one treatment, it is preferred to rely on a systematic review (and meta-analysis, if possible) of the evidence aggregated from multiple studies rather than any individual study. Thus, the purpose of this invited symposium is to present the results of systematic reviews on selected speech-language interventions. Chad Nye will present the findings from two systematic reviews on behavioral interventions in stuttering, one based on studies using group design and the other on studies using single-subject experimental designs. Oliver Wendt will highlight the results from systematic reviews of intervention research on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Jamie Schwartz will present findings from a systematic review of manual signing in individuals with autism. Finally, Ralf Schlosser will present a systematic review on the effects of PECS in children with autism and PDD-NOS. |
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| The Effects of Behavioral Interventions on Stuttering: Two Systematic Reviews |
| CHAD NYE (University of Central Florida) |
| Abstract: Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the research relating to behavioral stuttering treatment will be presented: one involving group designs and the other involving single-subject experimental designs. The presentation will provide a summary of the eight key steps involved in the systematic review process, including but not limited to a detailed descriptions of the information retrieval (electronic and hand-search strategies, inclusion criteria, study coding, and effect size computations. The results will be discussed in terms of the support for the evidence base for behavioral treatments of stuttering and directions for future research. |
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| The Effectiveness of Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Evidence from Systematic Reviews. |
| OLIVER WENDT (Purdue University) |
| Abstract: This presentation will highlight the results from recent systematic reviews of intervention research on AAC for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Applying rigorous inclusion criteria and systematic review methodology, experimental research from 1976 to 2008 was evaluated relative to the impact of AAC on (a) increasing functional communication skills, (b) facilitating natural speech production, and (c) improving social regulation functions. Methodological gaps in the current research base will be revealed and directions for future research will be derived. |
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| The Effects of Manual Sign Interventions in Individuals with Autism |
| JAMIE SCHWARTZ (University of Central Florida) |
| Abstract: This presentation will highlight the process and outcomes of a systematic review on the effects of manual sings (sign alone or total communication) on the signed or oral communication skills in children with autism. The key steps of a systematic review will be described including information retrieval, the formulation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, data extraction, data analysis and aggregation, and interpretation. Both group and single-subject experimental designs qualified for inclusion, but the results will be discussed separately. The results will be discussed in terms of the empirical support for manual sign interventions for this population and in terms of directions for future research. |
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| Effects of PECS on Speech, Language, and Communicative Behaviors in Children with ASD: A Systematic Review |
| RALF SCHLOSSER (Northeastern University) |
| Abstract: Children on the autism spectrum disorder frequently rely on the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and other exchange-based approaches as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technique. While more and more treatment studies are being added to the body of literature, a systematic review of this literature has not occurred. Systematic review methodology was used to minimize bias in locating, selecting, and synthesizing treatment studies involving PECS. In this session, the methods, findings, and implications for practice and future research will be presented. |
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