The effects of a facilitated online blog on the quality of communication life of adolescents and young adults with autism specrum disorders

Abstract

The quality of life, specifically the quality of communication life, of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is lower than those with no disability or with physical disabilities. This disparity stems from barriers including social isolation and reduced social communication skills for individuals with ASD. Speech-language pathologists should work to eliminate this discrepancy because of the interest individuals with ASD have in communicating as well as the scope of practice and code of ethics outlined for the profession. In the current study, the effect of an online blog facilitated by graduate student speech-language pathologists on the quality of communication life of 6 adolescents (ages14 -22 years) was examined. No increase in quality of communication life was found when comparing scores on the Quality of Communication Life scale pre- and post-intervention. Some more descriptive data suggests that participants enjoyed the blog and the blog allowed for an increase in participants' social interaction