The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature, including studies that used a single-case design (SCD) and taught augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use to adults with complex communication needs. The purpose of this review was to describe (a) adults receiving AAC intervention, (b) components of the interventions used,…

Successful intervention outcomes and comprehensive assessment is important for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). However, the literature surrounding AAC assessment remains sparse. The purposes of this project were to describe the AAC assessment process followed by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and to…

Young people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can experience reduced social participation and continue to face challenges in developing and using communication and literacy skills for real-life contexts. Drawing on emerging research, this discussion article highlights the potential benefits and advantages of participation…

The aim of this study was to examine how early symbolic forms (and their associated communicative functions) are related to change in communication among a sample of 12 young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who produced two or fewer spoken words ("M" age = 28.75 months; 11 male, 1 female). Parents reported on children's…

This article provides clinicians and educators a useful conceptualization of general instructional strategies often used to promote the performance of requests in children with developmental disabilities, and which can be applied in interventions that utilize augmentative and alternative communication. A case study illustrates the specialized…

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document developed for each student with a disability. The IEP outlines the student's learning needs and associated educational goals, as well as the program placement and services required to support the attainment of these goals in the least restrictive environment. Most IEPs include all…

A qualitative interview methodology was used to investigate the perspectives of 10 Hungarian parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) concerning their decision-making processes undertaken to make communication intervention decisions for their children. Six themes were identified from the data: (a) sources of information, (b)…

A survey of 43 Vietnamese Americans found respondents who had become more acculturated had greater hope for individuals with disabilities than first generation immigrants. Both groups embraced the practice of seeking services for a child with disability and were strongly predisposed to accept augmentative and alternative communication practices.…