T-score Statistics

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Introduction

Technological advances in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) have provided a “voice” to many people through various devices. This voice has been hypothesized to provide greater benefit then traditional communication board or word processing programs. However augmentative communication devices have not traditionally been used with children who are autistic. Various studies have estimated that 25% to 61% of children with autism remain essentially non speaking (Weitz, Dexter, & Moore, 1997).
Children with autism have been subjected to many different treatment approaches to the disorder. In fact, when one reviews the literature, there appears to be as many different treatments as there are individuals with autism. Children with autism are subjected to an enormous variety of educational and therapeutic interventions (Heflin & Simson, 1998).
One particularly promising, beneficial tool for learners in general and for persons with developmental disabilities is computer technology. Use of computers for communication and learning may provide consistency, motivation, opportunities for independence, and individualized instruction ( Heimann, Nelson, Tjus, & Gillberg, 1995). However, computer technology is rarely used by individuals with autism.
Why are individuals with autism typically not given the opportunity to use computer technology? Is it because the deficits in autism are not amenable with computer technology as in contrast to cerebral palsy a motor-speech impairment? This notion is too weakly supported in the literature to be used as a rationale for not introducing computer technology to individuals with autism. To not give individuals with autism access to computer technology may be ill advised in light of the success of computer based methods in promoting communicational gains in individuals with other developmental disabilities such as mental retardation (Romski &Sevcik, 1993).
The research does...