Exploring Social Development in a Child with Autism Who Uses the Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) Treatment Approach

Abstract

This study reviews how the communication device called Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) influenced a specific child’s social development. The child in this study has autism and communicates nonverbally. I collected qualitative and quantitative data by recording field note observations, tracking behavioral data such as eye contact and social initiation, and having participants who personally know the child complete a survey regarding their thoughts on this topic. Findings were derived from the research. The findings were 1) socialization occurs more with adults, 2) LAMP gives opportunities to socialize, 3) communication occurs mostly when there is a highly motivating reason to use communication, 4) communication attempts occur more when the student is feeling strong emotions, and 5) the environment has an effect on the student’s social development. Conclusions of this study include that 1) LAMP is well worth investigating as a positive device for assisting students with autism who typically experience communication delays with their social development, 2) communication derives from a want or need to socialize, and 3) for this child, learning a new way to communicate required consistency and routine from the natural communication partners.