RT Journal Article
T1 The impact of EC+ as a multimodal support in intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a technological alternative.
T2 EC+ Multimodal Support
A1 Zurita-Díaz, Antonio Javier
A1 Calleja-Reina, Marina
K1 Trastornos del espectro autista en niños - Innovaciones tecnológicas
K1 Personas con discapacidad - Medios de comunicación
AB - Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Enhancing Communication Plus (EC+), an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technological support system, in improving communication, social interaction, and behavior in children with Level 3 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and complex communication needs. The intervention combines EC+ with aided augmented input to enhance expressive and receptive communication.- Methods: A quasi-experimental design was conducted over 16 weeks with 18 children aged 6 to 12 diagnosed with Level 3 ASD. Participants engaged in therapy sessions using EC+ within a structured intervention framework. Communication, social skills, and behavioral outcomes were assessed at three evaluation moments using the Vineland-3 scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with statistical tests including repeated-measures ANOVA.- Results: Significant improvements were observed across all measured domains. Participants demonstrated enhanced communicative abilities, increased social interaction, and a reduction in disruptive behaviors. The multimodal features of EC+ contributed to engagement and learning, making communication more accessible and intuitive.- Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential of EC+ as an effective AAC tool for children with Level 3 ASD. Its multimodal features offer a structured and engaging approach that enhances communication, socialization, and behavior. Future research should explore its comparative effectiveness with other AAC supports and ICT-based tools.
PB Taylor & Francis
YR 2025
FD 2025-06-17
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39042
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39042
LA eng
NO Zurita Díaz, A. J., & Calleja Reina, M. (2025). The impact of EC+ as a multimodal support in intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: a technological alternative. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2025.2520881
NO IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION:- EC+ is an innovative AAC technological support developed at the University of Málaga, offering multimodal functions for the entire vocabulary, making it highly beneficial for intervention.- The integration of EC+ with aided augmented input provides an effective strategy for improving expressive and receptive communication in children with Level 3 ASD and complex communication needs.- The multimodal features of EC+ facilitate greater engagement and interaction, supporting the development of social skills in therapeutic settings.- By offering structured and intuitive communication support, EC+ helps decrease disruptive behaviors-related behaviors, promoting more adaptive responses.
NO https://openpolicyfinder.jisc.ac.uk/id/publication/794
NO Vicerrectorado de Investigación Universidad de Málaga [Vice-rectorate for Research University of Malaga]. II Own Research Plan (Project B4-2023-18 and Project B2-2022-02)
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 5 mar 2026