Paul Herring, Dr Kieron Sheehy

and Dr Roger Jones

Investigating a ‘virtual tutor’ approach for improving the

communication skills of children with autism

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Autism and the triad of impairments

Diagnosis and beyond

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• On average children with autism are diagnosed from about 3 years old (Baron-Cohen, 2008)

• Access to interventions is often delayed until the child enters the education system

• Current research suggests early intervention increases the chances of a positive prognosis in later life (Wetherby & Woods, 2006)

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

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The advantages of PECS

• the communication exchange is easily understood by communicator and communication partner

• the communication is meaningful and highly motivating for the child with autism

• PECS has been shown to promote spontaneous symbol communication

Bondy & Frost, (1995)

Are there any benefits to Computer based teaching

methods?• Improved attention and motivation

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• curiosity and length of time spent on a subject

• promote spontaneous commenting

• A reduction in echolalia and inappropriate behaviour

Williams et al (2002)

Computer Assisted Picture Exchange (CAPE)

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• Provide avatar led teaching environment to teach symbol based communication to children with autism

• Allow participants to interact with CAPE using physical symbols as a method of participant input

• Provide an easy to use and engaging environment for children with autism

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The CAPE prototype interface

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CAPE user testing

Future Work

• A preliminary study to understand how an avatar’s voice type may influence participant engagement

• A five week study to understand if CAPE can enhance symbol based communication for children with autism

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Thank you for listening

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References• Baron-Cohen, S. (2008). Making the diagnosis. Autism and Asperger syndrome.

Oxford, UK, Oxford University Press, Pp 37

• Bondy, A. Frost., L. (2002). The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): initial training. A Picture's Worth PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism. Bethesda, MD, USA, Woodbine House Inc: 67-90.

• Gong, L. Lai, J. (2003). "To mix or not to mix synthetic speech and human speech? Contrasting impact on judge-rated task performance versus self-rated performance and attitudinal responses." International Journal of Speech Technology 6(2): 123-131.

• Wetherby, A. Woods, J. (2006). "Early Social Interaction Project for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders Beginning in the Second Year of Life: A Preliminary Study." Topics in Early Childhood Special Education 26(2): 67-82.

• Williams, C. Wright, B. Callaghan, G. Coughlan, B. (2002). "Do children with autism learn to read more readily by computer assisted instruction or traditional book methods? A pilot study." Autism 6(1): 71-91.

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