L5 Interventions Support & Context for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Question 1

What is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)? and who is it used for?

Answer 1

It is a communication intervention which is used to develop communication skills in children who have difficulties. Is useful for children with ASD and related disabilities. works by giving a child a catalogue with various images in. The child learns that they can use these to communicate in stages.

1 - Child learns that single objects can be requested by using the catalogue images. For example, a toy can be requested by the pointing of picking out an image of the desired toy.

2 - Child encouraged to persist with requests, and use it for more complex requests. For example, the child learns that he/she can request items which are not immediately available perhaps in the next room.

3 - Child learns that they can use multiple cards, which can change the meaning of what they are trying to communicate. For example, might request a toy and also a picture which communicates that they prefer this toy over others.

4 - Now the child is competent at using the PECS system, they are encouraged to comment on their pictures, this is to get the child to start to develop language-based communication. This is effective because it helps the child tie language to a visual concept, something which can be difficult in children with ASD.

When completing these stages, it’s important to provide plenty of encouragement and reinforcement when they get it right. This can be a rewarding process in itself, as the child learns to communicate, preventing discomfort or frustration caused by not being able to.

Question 2

What is the Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)? what are the Strengths and weaknesses? and is there any evidence for its use?

Answer 2

Is a behavioural intervention designed to benefit children with NDs who might not develop adaptive behavioural skills because of their condition. Has requirements:

• Must be started before the age of 3
• Must be done for 40+ hours a week
• Must be done for 2+ years
• The child must not be allowed to progress until they perform “correct” behaviour in a given situation

An example of an ABA is from the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) by sally rogers. Focuses on many skills

strengths:

• gives the child more adaptive behaviours
• can help child fit in better
• possibly improves QOL
• can help with communication

Limitations

• unethical to go against the child’s nature at such a young age
• intensive therapy which needs a lot of time and effort
• punishes thinking outside of the box
• outcome not always positive
• cant gain consent from the child

Maria (2010):

• investigated ABAs in a literature review
• found on the whole that they were effective in improving behavioural traits
• success was linked to;
  
  • programme intensity
  • programme duration
  • parental training
  • age of start
  • adaptive behaviour level at the start