Perceived approaches and benefits of augmentative and alternative communication among nonverbal children with autism

Date of Publication

2003

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education Major in Special Education

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Educational Leadership and Management

Thesis Adviser

Lilia S. Bautista

Defense Panel Chair

Myrna R. Gigantone

Defense Panel Member

Barbara David
Perlita M. Jamoralin

Abstract/Summary

The study was conducted among 64 nonverbal children with autism (NVCA), 32 parents and 34 teachers from six private special education schools in Metro Manila. Using descriptive-correlational type of research, means and percentages were taken to describe the approaches and benefits of augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) among nonverbal children with autism and the relationship between approaches and benefits as perceived by teachers and parents. The findings of the study revealed that nonverbal children with autism display similar language characteristics as perceived by teachers and parents, which included difficulty in sustaining conversation and in using multiple nonverbal behaviors. In terms of social characteristics, teachers disclosed that these children avoid all forms of social interaction while parents are not very vocal about this matter. In the case of approaches of AAC, teachers viewed that the use of finger and hand movement (88.24%) is very functional for these children. Parents however, believed that the use of sounds (100%) and the use of pictures, symbols and drawings (81.25%) are useful for nonverbal children with autism. It was also found that both parents and teachers perceived many benefits derived from AAC in helping nonverbal children with autism communicate and develop their cognitive, social skills and academic abilities. Results further showed that there was a very high relationship among the AAC approaches as perceived by teachers and parents. There is however, a high degree of relationship in terms of benefits derived from the AAC approaches as perceived by the parents and teachers in the delivery of augmentative and alternative communication approaches.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TG03442

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

133 leaves ; 28 cm.

Keywords

Autism; People with disabilities--Means of communication; Communication devices for the disabled; Nonverbal communication

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