Method for Developing Communication Skills in Autism - DHACA: appearance and content validation.

Researchers tested a new communication method called DHACA designed to help autistic people develop communication skills. Ten expert speech therapists reviewed the method and found it to be well-designed and valid. The experts agreed the method could be helpful and recommended it for use in therapy. The method includes a communication book and specific strategies for building communication skills.

This validation study assessed the DHACA method, a communication intervention for autism, through expert review. Ten speech-language-hearing specialists with alternative communication expertise evaluated the method's communication book, principles, skills, and strategies. Using content validity index calculations, the study found excellent content validity for the DHACA method. Judges provided feedback on communication book content, communication partner participation, modeling techniques, cueing strategies, and communicative skills development.

The high degree of agreement between expert judges validated both individual components and the overall instrument, supporting its recommendation for clinical speech-language-hearing practice.

The validated DHACA method provides speech-language pathologists with a structured, expert-approved tool for autism communication intervention. However, effectiveness studies are needed to establish clinical outcomes before widespread implementation. The method's validation supports its potential use in clinical practice.

This was a validation study only, not an effectiveness trial. Sample limited to expert judges rather than testing with autistic individuals or measuring communication outcomes. No data on actual clinical effectiveness or user experience provided.

To validate the appearance and content of the DHACA method to develop communication skills in autism. This qualitative and quantitative validation study included 10 speech-language-hearing judges with expertise in alternative communication. The judges received the communication book, the description of the principles, skills, and strategies in the DHACA method, and a form with items for them to appraise the appearance and content of the method. The validity was calculated with the content validity index.

The response analysis made it possible to calculate the degree of agreement between judges and develop the new instrument version. The calculation of the content validity index revealed excellent content validity. The judges made suggestions regarding the content of the communication book, texts regarding the participation of communication partners and modeling, using cues, and communicative skills. The degree of agreement between judges ensured the validation of the appearance and content of the DHACA method, considering the items alone and the whole instrument.

Hence, its use can be recommended for speech-language-hearing clinical practice.