two children sit on the ground hugging

What is The Peer Buddy Study?

The Peer Buddy Study teaches preschool children with autism and peers without disabilities to communicate during play and social routines using an iPad with a voice output app as a speech-generating device. 
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Over the two-year study, 24 preschool children in the Kansas City and surrounding metro area were recruited to participate. Forty-seven peer partners were recruited for each child and participate in a communication intervention called Stay-Play-Talk with iPad.

Teacher Testimonials

Hear what the teachers from The Gerner Family Early Education Center have to say about The Peer Buddy Study.
Church on KU Campus

“We know that we want inclusion, and we want to make sure that we build a community of learners here, no matter their learning level at the time. As a community, we know the importance of inclusion and supporting these young learners, but the earlier that we can make that happen, the more natural it’s going to be over time.”


Elisa Parker
Assistive Technology and Autism Consultant, Gerner EEC