Episode #198: Using Visual Scene Displays In Therapy with Dr. David McNaughton and Dana Patenaude

Today, I learned about a new tool in therapy and AAC, speaking with guests Dr. David McNaughton and Dana Patenaude, who collaborated on the research article “Using Visual Scene Displays With Young Children: An Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis,” published in the Journal of Special Education Technology.

Visual Scene Displays (VSDs) are interactive visual representations, such as photos or images, that depict scenes, objects, or events. They allow users to engage with elements within the image, providing a more immersive and interactive communication experience. VSDs can be used with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, offering a more contextual and personalized way for users to communicate. This is not an either/or tool but a powerful resource that can be combined with other AAC methods.

This study found that VSDs are an evidence-based practice. Their use can be personalized with meaningful photos, tailored to individual interests. Children can even participate in creating and selecting “hot spots,” giving them real-time language engagement with the parts of the scene that interest them most. There are also ways to create video VSDs or VSDs that incorporate literacy.

VSDs can be used for shared storybook reading, setting/environment photos, culturally responsive elements, and more! David and Dana do a great job of breaking down this comprehensive research and explaining how effective VSDs can be across various settings. Be sure to check out the links provided to access this open article and find resources on getting started with VSD apps.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. David McNaughton is a Professor in Special Education, with a cross appointment in Communication Sciences and Disorders, at Penn State University. He teaches coursework on assistive technology and collaboration skills. His current research interests include literacy instruction for individuals who need or use AAC, the development of vocational opportunities for individuals with significant support needs, and the effective use of online supports for pre-service and in-service instruction in AAC.

Dana Patenaude, M.Ed., BCBA., LBS is a white cisgender woman doctoral candidate at The Pennsylvania State University. Dana earned her Master of Education degree at the University of Pittsburgh in Early Intervention with an autism specialization. Dana worked as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. During this time, she created and supervised verbal behavior-based programs for children on the autism spectrum and worked closely with their families to create socially significant goals and objectives. Dana currently serves as a diversity and inclusion consultant for an ABA clinic, ensuring their practices and protocols are inclusive for both staff and clients. Dana is currently working on an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Leadership Project in which professionals in the Special Education and Communication Sciences and Disorders fields work to advance knowledge and increase community engagement around AAC. Dana’s research interests include creating methods of preference expression that value the voices and opinions of young children with speech-related disabilities or limited speech. She also researches interdisciplinary collaborations between professionals serving young children with disabilities.

What’s Inside:

• What are VSDs?
• How can VSDs be used alongside AAC?
• How to engage in shared storybook reading with VSDs?
• How do you create culturally responsive and individualized Visual Scene Displays?

Mentioned In This Episode

• Patenaude, D., McNaughton, D., & Liang, Z. (2024). Using Visual Scene Displays With Young Children: An Evidence-Based Practice Synthesis. Journal of Special Education Technology, 01626434241263061. 
• Video Visual Scene Displays (provides information on other studies that used video visual scene displays, including links to videos of research participants and links to apps that support VSDs and video VSDs)
• Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 
• Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

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