Case Studies in Success: Strategies for Teaching Communication Alternatives to Challenging Behavior
By Brander, Jenifer; McAfoose, Linnea; Closing the Gap, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 1, 12-13Publication Date: June/July 2005
Article discusses the use of alternative communication strategies such as Functional Communication Training, modeling, and the Picture Exchange Communication System in order to cope with children who demonstrate challenging behavior. Two case studies are presented in which these strategies are utilized. Case study one involved a fourteen-year-old girl who reverted to aggressive behavior in order to escape challenging situations. The researchers chose an object communication system based on the Picture Exchange Communication System protocol developed by Pyramid Educational Consultants, which allowed the girl to replace aggressive behavior with an object that represented an escape from a stressful situation. The participant only required 15 sessions in order to learn to use the intervention. Case study two involved a six-year-old boy who used a DynaVox Series 4 Communication System from DynaVox Technologies to indicate his wants and needs, though the system proved to be somewhat limiting. The use of modeling and trials with natural enforcement allowed him to use his communication device to label items in his environment, to comment, and to make requests. The pages and symbols used by both case study participants are pictured and labeled.
Assistive Products Discussed: DYNAVOX 3100
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
