Rebus Symbol Communication Training with a Severely Handicapped Preschool Child

Abstract

This case study describes the procedures used with and the results obtained for a preschool child with Down's syndrome who received communication training which incorporated Rebus symbols (a graphic symbol system). Training focused on comprehension and expressive use of Rebus symbols representing five new words and generalization of symbol use to the classroom. Results showed significant increases in the child's comprehension and expression Scores and in generalized symbol use. Further, the results indicated that symbol training may have facilitated development of the child's verbal expressive skills and that overall developmental level and level of communicative functioning are important factors to consider when planning a graphic symbol communication training program for a child.