Teaching a picture language to a non-speaking retarded boy

The Use of Nonvocal Communication Techniques With Autistic Individuals

“…One of their subjects used symbols to communicate a range of simple needs in her school and at home. Murphy et al (1977) published a report of a study in which a retarded 14-year-old child with 'autistic features' was taught to use a 'picture language' consisting of coloured pictures of objects on 3.5 ><: 3-inch cards. The picture language was introduced after the child has failed to learn manual signs.…”

The Efficacy of Speech and Language Intervention: Autism

“…Nevertheless, among these research studies, conflicting findings are as common as continuity in research themes, and hypotheses are uncommon. For example, studies have demonstrated that severely retarded, autistic children respond well to training in the use of symbols and pictures (Miranda and Schuler, 1988;Riechle and Brown, 1986) while others show difficulty with manual sign training (Murphy et al, 1977;Lancioni, 1983;Kiernan and Jones, 1985). On the contrary, other studies conclude that the use of simultaneous communication (sign and speech together) or sign language training can improve the communication skills, either speech or sign, of low-functioning, autistic children (Bonvillian, Nelson, and Rhyne, 1981;Brinton, Fujiki, and Erikson, 1985;Van Wagenen et al, 1985).…”

Changing approaches to communication training with autistic children

“…For children who are not responsive to either signs or symbols, other alternatives may need to be explored. Lancioni (1983) and Murphy et al (1977) report on the successful use of picture-communication training with severely mentally handicapped autistic children. Kiernan and Jones (1985) also found pictures to be a useful adjunct to training with two severely mentally handicapped autistic children.…”