A demonstration of the effects of augmentative communication on the extreme aggressive behavior of a child with autism within an integrated preschool setting

Abstract: Research in the area of behavior support has repeatedly demonstrated the positive effects of learning more effective and efficient communication on the challenging behaviors of individuals with developmental disabilities. More recently, augmentative and alternative com-munication strategies have been receiving increased attention as primary teaching goals for young children with autism. Use of picture exchange and choice-making opportunities has been reported to facilitate speech acquisition and/or result in increased communicative at-tempts across daily routines. The case study discussed in this article examines the effects of pic-ture exchange on the severe aggressive behavior of a preschooler with autism who was at risk of losing his integrated school placement. Picture exchange was introduced within two play routines in the classroom. The effects of picture exchange on the student’s aggression were eval-uated within a multiple baseline design. Results indicated that the student’s aggressive behav-ior was eliminated in a brief amount of time when picture exchanges were in place. These findings are discussed in terms of integrating augmentative communication into behavioral support planning and future research in this area. Central to the concept of positive behavior support is th