The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of tablet-based speech-generating devices (SGDs) in improving communication skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 31 single-case design intervention studies involving 84 individuals with ASD were reviewed and included in the analysis. We calculated Tau-U to…

Echolalia, a language phenomenon whereby individuals imitate the speech of others, is commonly used by children and adults with autism. Research into the underlying nature and meanings associated with this repetitive behaviour is characterised by a lack of conceptual definitions and conflicting opinions about the functions of echolalia. A scoping…

Naturalistic language interventions are commonly recommended to educators when teaching children to reliably share their wants, interests, and feelings with others. Recommendations include providing focused attention on a child and embedding multiple instructional opportunities within and across activities. Although such practices are commonly…

This systematic review evaluated the effect of speech interventions with the addition of speech generating devices on vocalizations of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and complex communication needs. This review synthesized information across 18 studies published in the past three decades (1990-2023) with the primary focus on the…

In peer-mediated intervention (PMI), peers act as agents of intervention. Previous reviews in this area have not addressed the effectiveness of using PMI with children with autism who are minimally verbal. Following a systematic search, we reviewed 25 studies where PMI was used to increase communication in minimally verbal participants. The…

Many interventions designed to improve educational outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been published, yet there has not been an adequate review of interventions in school settings assessed against student outcomes. We reviewed empirical literature published 2000 to June 2019 that evaluated school-based interventions…

Background and aims: A growing number of autistic children have access to inclusive education programs as early as kindergarten. However, little is known about how they actually participate in social interactions and develop their communicative skills according to the parameters of this environment. The aim of this article is to review…

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition impacting individuals' social communication and interactions. Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have been identified as practice modalities for children with ASD. A systematic review of the literature was completed identifying 13 articles addressing the impact AAI has on the social…

When educating young children with autism, it is imperative to use a teaching practice that is supported by evidence-based research. This review examined and synthesized the results of studies targeting the acquisition of verbal requests (mands) by young children with autism. Results indicated that verbal mand interventions are effective at…

Background & aims: Echolalia, the repetition of one's or others' utterances, is a behavior present in typical development, autism spectrum disorder, aphasias, Tourette's, and other clinical groups. Despite the broad range of conditions in which echolalia can occur, it is considered primarily through a disorder-specific lens, which limits a…

Drawing on a realist synthesis approach, this review identified qualitative data collection approaches that inform "first-person" lived experience in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across phenotypic expression. It further drew upon methodologic approaches used in other conditions that similarly represent individuals with impaired verbal…

This study illustrates the potential offered by observational methodology for analysing spontaneous behaviours and interactions by students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We present a case study in which we observed, analysed and interpreted how an adolescent boy with ASD interacted both verbally and non-verbally with his physical education…

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulties acquiring social skills without direct intervention. This article provides a review of research on the use of video modelling and scripts to improve the verbal conversational skills of individuals with ASD. The studies reviewed included participants with a diagnosis of ASD and…