Using Preferred Communication Methods to Reduce Challenging Behaviors

This study is testing whether teaching people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder to communicate using their preferred method — like a picture card, button device, or tablet app — is more effective at reducing challenging behaviors like aggression or self-injury. Researchers will identify two different communication methods that work for each participant, then test which one helps most when used to reward good communication instead of allowing challenging behaviors to get attention or access to what the person wants.

Many people with intellectual disabilities and autism have trouble speaking and may act aggressively or hurt themselves to communicate their needs. This study wants to see if letting people use their favorite way of communicating — rather than forcing them to use a less preferred method — helps them learn to communicate better and reduces these challenging behaviors.