AAC Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: State of the Science and Future Research Directions

Abstract

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides a means of effective communication to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many of whom are unable to use conventional speech effectively. The purposes of this article are (a) to summarize and synthesize the last few decades of research on the use of AAC with people with ASD; (b) to indicate implications of this research for stakeholders such as people with ASD, their family members, and educators with whom they work; and (c) to outline priorities for future research to improve communication and other outcomes for individuals with ASD and their loved ones. People with ASD stand to greatly benefit from AAC, particularly with current AAC technologies, as described in this article.

Keywords::

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• Aided AAC
• Assistive technology
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Communication

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflict of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This work was supported by the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University, a federally recognized University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities.