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Week 1 Journal Article Summary:
Find a recent (within the last 2 years) scientific journal article publication on a
communication strategy used in Applied Behavior Analysis and summarize the article in 1
paragraph. In addition to your 1 paragraph summary, reflect on and critique the
methodology and results of the study in 1 paragraph. (30 points) (Due by Sunday at
midnight)
Training Peer Partners to Use a Speech-Generating Device With Classmates With
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring Communication Outcomes Across Preschool
Contexts
This study discusses the effects of an intervention using a speech generating device for
preschoolers with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their peers. Using a multiple
probe design across three children with autism spectrum disorder that were non-verbal
were examined. Three peers without disabilities were taught to Stay, Play, and Talk using a
GoTalk 4+ (Attainment Company) and were then paired up with a classmate with ASD in
classroom social activities (Thiemann-Bourque et al., 2017). Some of the measures used in
the study included rates of communication acts, reciprocity, engagement with peers, and
function. Following peer training, intervention effects were replicated across 3 peers, who
all demonstrated an increased level and upward trend in communication acts to their
classmates with ASD (Thiemann-Bourque et al., 2017). In addition, the three children with
ASD had increased levels of peer-directed communication. The children with ASD also
demonstrated improved communication reciprocity and peer engagement (Thiemann-
2648–2662. http://doi.org/10.1044/2017_JSLHR-L-17–0049