Review supports use of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for improving communication skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorders: The role of moderators is not yet clearly established

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Campbell
2015 ◽  
pp. 1449-1466
Author(s):  
Jody M. Pirtle ◽  
Elizabeth A. West

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a prominent component in the development of support services for learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In this chapter, the authors provide parents, educators, researchers, academics, and other professionals with the most up to date and innovative information as well as practical resources regarding AAC for learners with ASD. Emphasis will be on school-age children diagnosed with ASD. Features of AAC systems as well as the benefits and challenges are presented to provide the reader with information on the current state of the field. The chapter concludes with directions for future research and provides a comprehensive list of resources and organizations.


Author(s):  
Saverio Fontani

In Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are presents communicative deficits, with impairment of understanding and production of verbal language. In this paper is presented a review of the communicative aids based on systems of Augmentative Alternative Communication, which present opportunities for the development of the communication skills of students with ASD.


Author(s):  
Yashomathi

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neuro-developmental disorders. They demonstrate pervasive deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviors, cognitive impairments, etc. Most often individuals with ASDs are often considered “non-verbal” and they require comprehensive intervention to improve their functional communication skills. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) was always viewed as a “last resort” for people with complex communication needs when all other interventions failed to achieve the potential benefit. However, with growing evidence, AAC has been implemented even in children with communication difficulties to augment spoken language development. Thus, this chapter aims to discuss the characteristics of ASD, to describe the need for AAC intervention in children with ASD, challenges and practices of AAC in ASD, to review implementation of aided AAC systems for children with ASD in different contexts, to indicate the gaps and future prospective in AAC intervention for people with ASDs.


Author(s):  
Eugenia Treglia ◽  
Angela Magnanini ◽  
Gianni Caione ◽  
Monica Alina Lungu

This article aims to investigate the relationship between technologies and disabilities in the field of special education. In particular, this article discusses the role of aiding technologies, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), in the learning and integration processes of people with disabilities, with a focus on autistic spectrum disorders. To facilitate the accessibility of tools and IT products, various types of aiding technologies are now available, namely a set of hardware and software technical solutions that provide working configurations suitable for the special needs of users, allowing them to overcome the disadvantage gap resulting from a specific disability. The AAC, as an aiding technology, in addition to fostering communication processes, allows the user with autism spectrum disorders to interface in a more functional way with the computer tool, and thus to implement its digital literacy and consequent learning possibilities.


2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 114-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn D. R. Drager

Traditionally, instruction in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has focused on facilitating expressive communication. However, several related interventions also have been described, with the goal of enhancing input. These “aided modeling interventions” require that the speaking partner use AAC as well as speech, in order to provide a model to the AAC user that is consistent with the type of output that is expected. Such interventions also show the child how the system can be used and may facilitate comprehension for children who have difficulty with spoken words alone, by providing additional visual information. Aided modeling interventions share several components: (a) they are implemented during opportunities that arise out of natural contexts, (b) they augment the spoken input the child receives, and (c) they employ modeling to expand vocabulary. This article discusses the research evidence suggesting that aided modeling interventions may be effective for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Future research directions are also discussed.


Autism ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 891-902 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Trembath ◽  
Teresa Iacono ◽  
Katie Lyon ◽  
Denise West ◽  
Hilary Johnson

Many adults with autism spectrum disorders have complex communication needs and may benefit from the use of augmentative and alternative communication. However, there is a lack of research examining the specific communication needs of these adults, let alone the outcomes of interventions aimed at addressing them. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of support workers and family members regarding the outcomes of providing low-technology communication aids to adults with autism spectrum disorders. The participants were six support workers and two family members of six men and women with autism spectrum disorders, who had received low-technology communication aids. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and following thematic analysis, the results revealed strong support for, and the potential benefits of, augmentative and alternative communication for both adults with autism spectrum disorders and their communication partners. The results also revealed inconsistencies in the actions taken to support the use of the prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems, pointing to the clinical need to address common barriers to the provision of augmentative and alternative communication support. These barriers include organisational practices and limitations in the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders, as well as problematic attitudes.


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