From Logos to Orthographic Symbols: A Multilevel Fading Computer Program for Teaching Nonverbal Children With Autism
By Hetzroni, Orit E.; Shalem, Uri; Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 201-212Publication Date: Winter 2005
Study conducted to investigate the use of a computer-based intervention for teaching orthographic symbols to children with autism. Orthographic symbols are symbols that are commonly used by a local community. Even though these symbols are easily recognized by most, they can be very difficult for children with autism and developmental disabilities to identify. The program consisted of logos from children’s food wrappings, which were scanned onto a software platform. Through a structured seven-step fading procedure, six children were taught to identify eight words from commercially available logos depicting food items. The fading procedure included environmental graphic clues, which were removed from each logo gradually until only the logo was depicted on the screen. The results indicated that following exposure to this fading intervention, all of the participants were able to identify the orthographic symbols, while most of the children were able to use their knowledge gained from the study in the classroom. Implications for future research directions are discussed.
Published by: PRO-ED, Inc. (Website:http://www.proedinc.com)
Division on Developmental Disabilities (DDD) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) (Web Site: http://www.dddcec.org )
