Integrated Framework for Simultaneous Generative Language Training and Progress Tracking for Minimally Verbal Children with Autism

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant The proposed project will create novel tablet technology for speech and language learning in minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder ASD This research is directly related to a goal of The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders NIDCD which calls for andquot developing speech and language interventions for nonverbal individuals with autism andquot Today individuals with ASD establish communication through the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication AAC the overall goal of which is to achieve symbolic communication for requesting and rejecting typically via single symbol selections Establishing richer language that results in multiple symbol selections and acquisition of generalization and expanded communication requires that new technologies be added to the AAC toolbox This proposal focuses on creation and study of effectiveness of such new integrated technologies i an application to be called SPEAKmore! To target generative language learning vocabulary growth and language generalization through a matrix training format ii a multi device synchronization and data collection facility t be called SPEAKtogether! For management of instructional content and progress tracking where clinicians and caregivers seamlessly share lessons and learner tracking across devices and learning contexts and iii a gaming engine implementation to be called SPEAKmotion! That will create a library of animated graphic symbols that can be combined to produce highly individualized video stimuli to use in SPEAKmore! And in other language training efforts The technologies will be implemented for iOS using standard developer toolkits and the Unity gaming engine Assessment of clinical validity and effectiveness will be performed through a multiple probe single subject experimental design Assessment of the clinician and caretaker user validity and effectiveness will be performed with qualitative interviews and with a modified version of treatment acceptability rating instrument This work will be organized around three aims i generate proof of concept data that language training with SPEAKmore! Produces intervention and generalization effects ii examine technical feasibility and implement usability testing of SPEAKtogether! cloud based services and iii assess the applicability of a gaming engine to the automated production of video stimuli for SPEAKmotion! Helping establish and grow communication ability in those with ASD about of which cannot meet their daily communication needs benefits society by improving their quality of life and reducing costs associated with ASD When successful the proposed research will result in a patent protected product suite that ideally suits this underserved population and which will be sustainable by a recurring revenue subscription model Further these products are likely to have commercial potential in serving other disabilities including aphasia dementia developmental delay and disorders or neurological conditions PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE The relevance of this project to public health is in its potential to dramatically increase the communication abilities of individuals with autism spectrum disorder ASD The proposed research and development will result in a tablet application suite that surpasses todayandapos s available technology by helping those with ASD to compose more complex utterances and develop conventional language repertoires that go beyond communicating basic wants and needs The research has the impact to dramatically lower the annual cost of ASD by helping these individuals interact more effectively in everyday society