Communication development of a child with autism, the son of deaf parents, using alternative communication: a case report

Purpose  The main objective of this study is to describe the development of communicative skills in a 5-year-old child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the son of deaf parents, through an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system using the DHACA method (Development of Communication Skills in Autism) with an adapted AAC resource using pictograms associated with the respective signs in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language).

Methods  The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was applied for assessment. The Communication Assessment in ASD (ACOTEA) was used for direct assessment with the child.

Results  The analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data from the speech-language-hearing intervention using DHACA demonstrated significant progress in the child's expressive and receptive communication, with an increase in oral productions, including verbalization of words, use of gestures, and improved shared attention. A decrease in inappropriate behaviors, such as tantrums, was also observed. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the DHACA method in implementing an AAC system in a child with ASD, the son of deaf parents.

Conclusion  The study is innovative in that it proposes the functional use of the bilingual DHACA book, promoting greater interaction and use of AAC between the child and his parents.

Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder; Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Deafness; Child Language; Social Inclusion; Self-Help Devices