Effectivity of using iPad-based alternative and augmentative communication to facilitate initiating, requesting and commenting of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder : a descriptive systematic review

The study aimed to know how different studies suggested the effectiveness of high-tech alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device especially for school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during requesting, commenting and responding to difference social contexts. Seven (7) single-case studies were used in the systematic review based on the following selection criteria: 1) participants should have ASD, 2) should be in pediatric age, and 3) should have impairment in social skills. Results of the studies suggested that the use of iPad-based AAC helped in aiding and facilitating different social skills. Some of the participants in each study preferred the use of a low-tech AAC device due to prolonged exposure to it prior to the study and due to age which made a slow progress and acquisition of necessary skills for the use of a iPad-based AAC. The use of an iPad-based AAC was effective in facilitating initiating, requesting and commenting similar to using PECS and other AAC modalities