Effects of Functional Communication Training Using GoTalk NowTM iPad® Application on Challenging Behavior of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study investigated the effects of a functional communication training intervention consisting of systematic prompting and natural reinforcement on the challenging behaviors of two children with autism spectrum disorder aged 5 and 6 years old. Children who had a history of challenging behavior, consisting of self-injury and disruption, were taught to request preferred stimuli through the GoTalk Now™ application on an iPad®. Using a reversal design, the findings demonstrated a functional relation between functional communication training with the use of the GoTalk Now application and the decreased levels of challenging behaviors. Specifically, one child demonstrated zero levels of challenging behaviors and one child showed a less substantial decrease of challenging behaviors during intervention phases. Directions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.