Augmentative and alternative communication effects of speech output and iconicity on symbol acquisition /

by Brown, Diana L.

AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION: EFFECTS OF SPEECH OUTPUT AND ICONICITY ON SYMBOL ACQUISITION By: Diana L. Brown The purpose of this study was to determine if the degree of iconicity of picture symbols and the presence and absence of speech output affects the acquisition and usage of symbols. This study consisted of a between subjects design with 48 children from the Southwest, Ohio area. The children were presented with iconic and opaque Blissymbols in both speech and no speech output condition. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in the number of trials needed to acquire transparent and opaque symbols with speech and no speech output. Clinical implications, future research, and limitations are discussed.