| Children with complex communication needs often rely on augmentative and
alternative communication (AAC) systems to support expressive language development.
Previous research has demonstrated that aided AAC modeling can increase communicative
output. However, less is known about how different symbol formats influence communicative
output and message production. The purpose of this study was to examine aided language
production during an aided modeling intervention using both animated and static graphic
symbols in structured play contexts. A single-case experimental design was used with a child
diagnosed with cerebral palsy and a rare genetic deletion, with associated significant speech
impairments. Intervention sessions incorporated aided modeling within structured play
scenarios, with a minimum of 30 models provided per 15-minute session. Outcome measures
included symbols per message, syntactic structure, and communicative functions of aided
productions generated via a speech-generating device. Results demonstrated increases in
aided output across intervention phases, reflected in higher symbols per message and the
emergence of varied syntactic structure use, while communicative function showed more
limited but positive change. The participant maintained their function 6-weeks
post-intervention compared to baseline and generalized their skills to a novel play scenario.
Findings contribute to the emerging literature examining animation in AAC intervention and
suggest that symbol presentation format may positively influence communicative
engagement and message production for children who use AAC.
Key Words: Augmentative and alternative communication, Cerebral palsy, Aided modeling,
Animated symbols, Intervention, Single-case design |