Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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):  
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.


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.


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.


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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