Development of an Integrated Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) Intervention Model to Improve Expressive Communication in Autistic Children at UPTD Disability Services Sidoarjo

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties in expressive communication, including requesting, responding, expressing needs, initiating interaction, and maintaining communication. This study aimed to develop an Intervention Model Integrated Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support expressive communication among autistic children at UPTD Services Disability Sidoarjo, Indonesia. The study employed a Research and Development approach using the Four-D model comprising Define, Design, Develop, and Disseminate stages. The developed model integrated AAC media, ALS language modeling, functional communication activities, communication opportunities, partner responsiveness, reinforcement, generalization, and evaluation. Expert validation involved four validators representing four areas of expertise: subject matter, special education/autism, communication/AAC, and media. The validation percentage was calculated by dividing the obtained score by the maximum possible score and multiplying by 100%, resulting in 90.5% (very valid). Practicality was assessed through responses from teachers, therapists, and/or companions using the same percentage formula, resulting in 90% (very practical), while implementation was assessed through structured observation and reached 91% (very good). A one-group pretest-posttest limited trial involving five autistic children showed an increase in expressive communication scores from 42/100 (mean = 4.2) to 76/100 (mean = 7.6). The mean N-Gain was 0.65, categorized as moderate improvement according to the study criteria. Because the limited trial involved only five children and did not include a control group, the observed improvement should not be interpreted as definitive evidence of intervention effectiveness. Overall, the findings support the model’s feasibility for further investigation with larger samples and more rigorous comparative designs.