Further demonstrations of integrating child and caregiver preference into AAC selection

This presentation will focus on identifying child and caregiver preferences of AAC selection using objective measures. Following a skills assessment, eight children and their caregivers will be assessed on their preferred AAC modality through a concurrent-operant design. Each child will be provided the opportunity to request a preferred activity with all modalities concurrently available. Preference will be determined based on the modality the child requests with most frequently. Caregivers will then learn to use each modality with their child. Once trained, caregivers will be directly assessed on how many communication opportunities they provide their child with each modality. Comparisons of the child and caregiver’s preference will be assessed with final recommendations provided based on both preferences. Based on our preliminary data, we anticipate that children will show a clear preference for a modality, and that caregiver’s preference will largely align with their child’s preference. Aligning child and caregiver preferences emphasizes the importance of promoting a more personalized and successful treatment experience and may lead to additional positive long-term implications. Presented By: Dr. Lesley Shawler, PhD, BCBA, Assistant Professor of Behavior Analysis and Therapy at SIUC’s School of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. RECORDED ON APRIL 29, 2025