Pre-verbal and verbal pattern as predictors for the implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) in autistic children

Author(s)

Simoni Camilo ^[1] ; Fernanda Miranda da Cruz ^[2] ; Sheila C Caetano ^[3] ; Jacy Perissinoto ^[4] ; Ana Carina Tamanaha ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Departamento de Fonoaudiologia - Brasil

^[2] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Escola de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas. Departamento de Letras - Brasil

^[3] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Departamento de Psiquiatria - Brasil

^[4] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Departamento de Fonoaudiologia - Brasil

^[5] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Departamento de Fonoaudiologia - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista CEFAC; v. 25, n. 6 2023-11-27.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the preverbal and verbal patterns in autism spectrum disorder, to more easily predict the need for implementation of the Picture Exchange Communication System in autistic children who are about to start speech language therapy. Methods: a cross-sectional study with a sample consisted of 62 children aged 2 to 10 years, presented with autism spectrum disorder. The Vocal Behavior Assessment which analyzes the preverbal and verbal patterns through three parameters, that is, Mean Extension (mean verbal emission), Speech Characterization (number of atypical emissions) and Language Range (typical emissions of child development), was used. Sociodemographic data, intellectual quotient and non-adaptive behaviors were also analyzed, by using the logistic regression model. Results: there was a high sensitivity (0.915) and specificity (0.867) for the variables Speech Characterization (p=0,000) and Mean Extension (p=0,001). The other numerical variables, such as age, time of schooling, non-adaptive behaviors and intellectual quotient of children were tested but were not identified as potential predictors for the outcome of interest of the study. Conclusion: the indices of Speech Characterization and Mean Extension were identified as predictors for the indication of the Picture Exchange Communication System in children who are about to start speech language therapy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/07565-7 - MINIMUM GESTURE: Study of multimodal resources (verbal aspects, gestures, body and material world) in the interactions involving children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders)
• Grantee: Fernanda Miranda da Cruz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants