Effects of an iPad-Based Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on Wh-Question Answering Skills of an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study examined an intervention package incorporating an iPad‐based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) application, Proloquo2Go, to improve wh‐question‐answering skills in a 15‐year‐old adolescent with autism. A single‐case, multiple baseline design across three types of wh‐questions (“what,” “where,” and “who”) was employed. The intervention included a least‐to‐most prompting hierarchy, interval reinforcement, cue cards, and question‐related visuals. Results indicated a functional relationship between the intervention package and increased unprompted correct responses for each wh‐question type. Additionally, the participant maintained these gains following a two‐week break, and generalization probes revealed consistent performance across novel settings, different individuals, and varied question formats. These findings suggest that iPad‐based AAC interventions, particularly those that combine structured prompting and reinforcement strategies, may effectively enhance and sustain communication skills in adolescents with autism.