Title
Perceptual factors influence visual search for meaningful symbols in individuals with intellectual disabilities and down syndrome or autism spectrum disorders
UMMS Affiliation
Shriver Center; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center
Publication Date
9-2013
Document Type
Article
Disciplines
Communication | Experimental Analysis of Behavior | Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Psychiatry and Psychology
Abstract
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems often supplement oral communication for individuals with intellectual and communication disabilities. Research with preschoolers without disabilities has demonstrated that two visual-perceptual factors influence speed and/or accuracy of finding a target: the internal color and spatial organization of symbols. Twelve participants with Down syndrome and 12 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) completed two search tasks. In one, the symbols were clustered by internal color; in the other, the identical symbols had no arrangement cue. Visual search was superior in participants with ASDs compared to those with Down syndrome. In both groups, responses were significantly faster when the symbols were clustered by internal color. Construction of aided AAC displays may benefit from attention to their physical and perceptual features.
Keywords
Augmentative communication, Severe disabilities, Visual search, Display design
DOI of Published Version
10.1352/1944-7558-118.5.353
Source
Wilkinson KM, McIlvane WJ. Perceptual factors influence visual search for meaningful symbols in individuals with intellectual disabilities and Down syndrome or autism spectrum disorders. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2013 Sep;118(5):353-64. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-118.5.353. PubMed PMID: 24245729; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3889128. Link to article on publisher's site
Journal/Book/Conference Title
American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities
Related Resources
PubMed ID
24245729
Repository Citation
Wilkinson, Krista M. and McIlvane, William J., "Perceptual factors influence visual search for meaningful symbols in individuals with intellectual disabilities and down syndrome or autism spectrum disorders" (2013). Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center Publications. 53.
https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/shriver_pp/53
