The use of applications in speech and language therapy with children with autism

Abstract

This research investigates the use of applications in Speech and Language Therapy with children with Autism. It also aims to discover the perceptions of Speech and Language Pathologists (SLPs) and parents of children with Autism regarding the use of applications during therapy, whether SLPs recommend parents to use these applications at home, and what parents think of their effectiveness. 13 SLPs and two parents of children with Autism were asked to complete a questionnaire. The SLP responses were analysed quantitatively using the Pearson Chi-Squared Test. The analysis investigated the effect of the independent variables (age, work sector, years of working experience and the geographical location of the clinic) upon the dependent variables (whether SLPs use applications during therapy, and the perspectives of SLP on the use of applications during therapy with children with Autism). The parents’ responses to the questionnaire were analysed by comparing the two responses together. Findings show that most SLPs use applications with children with Autism irrespective of their age, work experience, location and work sector. Whilst one of the parents stated that applications were not recommended and not used at home, the other parent reported using applications with their child at home and subsequently observed improvement in the child’s communicative interactions. This research study provides insight into current local practices and perceptions about the use of applications with children with Autism amongst SLPs and parents receiving speech and language therapy services. This information is beneficial to Speech and Language Pathologists who aim to start using applications with children with Autism during their practice as it sheds light on how these applications are used, and their effectiveness.