The long term objective of this research is to examine factors that influence the language development process for children with severe communication disorders who use augmented language systems. In a series of two studies, one aim is addressed: to examine the effects varying degrees of symbol arbitrariness and extant speech comprehension skills have on the discrimination, learning, retention, and use of symbols for communication. Forty 6-8 year old children with severe communication disabilities, divided into two groups based on extant speech comprehension skills, will participate in two studies. Study 1 will examine the discriminability of two visual-graphic symbols sets, Blissymbols and Lexigrams. Using a computer-based instructional paradigm, Study 2 will examine symbol learning and retention over a two month period. Generalization to a communicative setting will also be assessed in Study 2. Findings from the two studies will permit a more precise mapping of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence augmented language learning. In turn, these findings will permit the design, development, and implementation of more efficient and effective language interventions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03DC003766-02
Application #
6176640
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDC1-SRB-F (12))
Program Officer
Shekim, Lana O
Project Start
1999-09-01
Project End
2002-08-31
Budget Start
2000-09-01
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$50,050
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgia State University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
837322494
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30302
Barton, Andrea; Sevcik, Rose A; Romski, Mary Ann (2006) Exploring visual-graphic symbol acquisition by pre-school age children with developmental and language delays. Augment Altern Commun 22:10-20
Sevcik, Rose A (2006) Comprehension: an overlooked component in augmented language development. Disabil Rehabil 28:159-67