Preliminary assessment of augmentative and alternative communication-related stereotypy

Improving social communication and reducing challenging forms of restricted and repetitive behaviors (i.e., stereotypy) are often the focus of behavioral interventions for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Interventions incorporating augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are utilized to improve independent communication. However, using electronic AAC devices (e.g., iPads) may increase stereotypic behaviors (i.e., pressing the same icon on an AAC device two or more times within 2 s), which may impact the development and maintenance of communication skills. There is a shortage of research focusing on AAC-related stereotypy, with only one study that includes a systematic assessment and treatment evaluation (Cook et al., 2017). The purpose of the current investigation was to conduct a functional analysis screening procedure that only included play and no-interaction conditions to adequately assess the function of AAC-related stereotypy. We sought to ask, how client-specific modifications to functional assessment procedures affect the outcomes of functional assessments of AAC-related stereotypy. Initial findings suggest that AAC-related stereotypy is often automatically reinforced, but its occurrence can be sensitive to the presence/absence of specific environmental stimuli.