Snack Talk: Effects of a Naturalistic Visual Communication Support on Increasing Conversation Engagement for Adults with Disabilities

Behav Anal Pract. 2023 Feb 6;16(4):1085-1099. doi: 10.1007/s40617-023-00775-3. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities frequently experience poor life outcomes, with individuals reporting lower levels of social support, relationships, gainful employment, and satisfaction in their quality of life. To ameliorate these outcomes, social skills and social communication interventions aligned with the needs of adults are warranted. This study examined the efficacy of Snack Talk, a supplemental naturalistic visual communication support, with five adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Snack Talk was implemented during the midday mealtime, with the goal of increasing conversation engagement. A withdrawal design across participants was used. Results demonstrated increases in conversation engagement and showed meaningful gains for participants in the intervention and postintervention phase compared to baseline.

Keywords: Communication; Intellectual and developmental disabilities; Mealtimes; Social skills.