Attitudes of school-aged children toward their peers who use augmentative and alternative communication

Abstract

Two studies were conducted. In the first, a reliable and valid tool was developed for measuring the attitudes of elementary school-aged children in grades 1 to 5 toward their peers who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In the second, this tool was used to determine the influence of the type of AAC technique used and the physical ability status of the AAC user on children's attitudes. No effects of AAC technique or physical status existed for children in grades 3 and 5. A significant interaction did exist, however, for children in grade 1. Developmental trends were also apparent. These results are discussed in terms of their implications regarding determinants and dimensions of children's attitudes toward peers who use AAC and in terms of their clinical implications.

• attitudes
• attitude development
• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques
• physical disabilities