Síglia Pimentel Höher Camargo

The use of speech generating devices in communication interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities: A review of the literature

Objective: This review synthesizes communication interventions that involved the use of speech generating devices (SGD) for individuals with developmental disabilities. Methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases, journals and reference lists identified 35 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated in terms of (a) participants, (b) SGD function, (c) SGD characteristics, (d) intervention procedures, (e) intervention results and (f) certainty of evidence. Results: Across these studies, intervention was provided to a total of 86 participants aged 1–42 years. Communication skills targeted included requesting, social or conversational skills, labelling items and receptive language. Intervention approaches were categorized as using Discrete Trial Training, Milieu teaching or a combined instructional approach. Positive outcomes were reported in 86% of the studies with 54% of studies categorized as providing conclusive evidence. Conclusion: This literature base is considered promising due to the large number of conclusive studies and the replication of intervention approaches.

Moderating factors of video-modeling with other as model: A meta-analysis of single-case studies

Video modeling with other as model (VMO) is a more practical method for implementing video-based modeling techniques, such as video self-modeling, which requires significantly more editing. Despite this, identification of contextual factors such as participant characteristics and targeted outcomes that moderate the effectiveness of VMO has not previously been explored. The purpose of this study was to meta-analytically evaluate the evidence base of VMO with individuals with disabilities to determine if participant characteristics and targeted outcomes moderate the effectiveness of the intervention. Findings indicate that VMO is highly effective for participants with autism spectrum disorder (IRD=.83) and moderately effective for participants with developmental disabilities (IRD=.68). However, differential effects are indicated across levels of moderators for diagnoses and targeted outcomes. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

A Review of the Quality of Behaviorally-Based Intervention Research to Improve Social Interaction Skills of Children with ASD in Inclusive Settings

Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often have difficulties in social interaction skills, which may prevent their successful inclusion in general education placements. Behaviorally-based social skills interventions have been shown to be effective in attenuating such difficulties in these environments. In light of the increasing number of children with ASD being educated in inclusive settings and requirements for the use of research-based interventions in schools, this paper (1) analyzes the quality of single-case research using behaviorally-based interventions to improve social interaction skills of children with ASD in inclusive settings and (2) evaluates whether such interventions can be considered an evidence-based practice. Characteristics and components of the interventions are summarized, and their implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Functional communication training in the treatment of problem behavior maintained by access to rituals

This study evaluated the assessment and treatment of problem behaviors related to rituals for children with autism. After functional analyses, we used a multiple-probe design to examine the effects of functional communication training (FCT) plus extinction and schedule thinning as a treatment package for problem behavior and appropriate communication for 3 children. Results of the functional analyses suggested that problem behavior was maintained by reinstatement of the interrupted routine for all participants, and the treatment package reduced problem behavior. Generalization across activities was observed for 1 participant.

Effects of Peer-Mediated Implementation of Visual Scripts in Middle School.

Although research has investigated the impact of peer-mediated interventions and visual scripts on social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorders, no studies to date have investigated peer-mediated implementation of scripts. This study investigated the effects of peer-implemented scripts on a middle school student with autism, intellectual impairments, and speech-language impairment via a multiple baseline single-case research design across behaviors. The target student demonstrated improvements in three communicative behaviors when implemented by a trained peer; however, behaviors did not generalize to use with an untrained typically developing peer.

Competência social, inclusão escolar e autismo: um estudo de caso comparativo

The aim of this study was to investigate the social competence ((SC) profile) of a child with autism in a regular in school, comparing it with a typically developing child and to investigate the influence of the school context (classroom or playground) on their SC profile. The social interactions with their peers were recorded at school and an independent judge coded the videos. The adapted version of the Q-Sort SC scale was used. The results demonstrated that while the SC profile of the typically developing child practically did not vary between contexts, the child with autism demonstrated a higher frequency of cooperation and social assertion behavior and a lower frequency of aggression and disorganization of the self in the playground.

The Use of Trial-Based Functional Analysis in Public School Classrooms for Two Students with Developmental Disabilities.

Analogue functional analyses are a well-researched means of determining behavioral function in research and clinical contexts. However, conducting analogue functional analyses in school settings can be problematic and may lead to inconclusive results. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of a trial-based functional analysis with analogue functional analysis conducted within public school classrooms. Two individuals with developmental disabilities participated. Trial-based functional analyses produced clear behavioral functions for both participants, whereas analogue functional analysis results were inconclusive. Implications for practice and future research are presented.

Do que eles precisam para serem felizes? a felicidade na visão de adolescentes

In this paper we aim at investigating the concept of happiness from the adolescentsperspective. For this purpose we adapted the partially structured interview script about childrens subjective well being produced by Giacomoni (2002). We studied 95 adolescents, between 12 and 20 years, students of tree public schools of the interior of the Rio Grande do Sul. The transcribing interviews were submitted to a content analysis, from which we extracted thematic categories. The categories we got from the study pointed to a trend of the adolescents in mentioning abstract feelings and concrete necessities related to happiness. The analysis of significant differences by sex pointed that girls mentioned diverse kinds of relationships related to happiness, while boys tend to correlate happiness with personal belonging and life conditions. These findings can contribute to the construction of subjective well-being assessment scales for teenagers. Moreover, they can help educator in giving orientation and making intervention when necessary.

Análise do comportamento aplicada como intervenção para o autismo: definição, características e pressupostos filosóficos

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong pervasive developmental disorder with no known causes and cure. However, educational and behavioral interventions with a foundation in applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been shown to improve a variety of skill areas such as communication, social, academic, and adaptive behaviors of individuals with ASD. The goal of this work is to present the definition, features and philosophical concepts that underlie ABA and make this science an effective intervention method for people with autism.

Qué necesitan para ser felices? la felicidad según los adolescentes

In this paper we aim at investigating the concept of happiness from the adolescentsperspective. For this purpose we adapted the partially structured interview script about childrens subjective well being produced by Giacomoni (2002). We studied 95 adolescents, between 12 and 20 years, students of tree public schools of the interior of the Rio Grande do Sul. The transcribing interviews were submitted to a content analysis, from which we extracted thematic categories. The categories we got from the study pointed to a trend of the adolescents in mentioning abstract feelings and concrete necessities related to happiness. The analysis of significant differences by sex pointed that girls mentioned diverse kinds of relationships related to happiness, while boys tend to correlate happiness with personal belonging and life conditions. These findings can contribute to the construction of subjective well-being assessment scales for teenagers. Moreover, they can help educator in giving orientation and making intervention when necessary.