Systematic review of AAC intervention research for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Much of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) research for individuals with autism spectrum disorder has focused on young children. Given that the lives, communication, strengths, and needs of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder are quite different from those of young children, the purpose of the current study was to consolidate current AAC intervention research findings specific to these individuals. A systematic review was conducted to identify and evaluate relevant research. Results indicate that AAC intervention benefits adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, more research is urgently needed. Future research focused on supporting communicative functions other than requesting (e.g., social closeness, information transfer) while participating in contexts important to the lives of adolescents and adults may be particularly valuable.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• adolescents
• adults
• augmentative and alternative communication
• systematic review

Acknowledgements

Portions of this article were submitted by the first author in partial fulfillment of the PhD program requirements at Pennsylvania State University.

Additional information

Funding

Christine Holyfield was supported by funding from the Penn State AAC Leadership Project, a doctoral training grant funded by U.S. Department of Education grant #H325D110008.