Measuring AAC interventions for individuals with severe developmental disabilities

Abstract

This paper considers the issue of efficacy as it relates to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for children with severe developmental disabilities. First, we briefly summarize our program of research including our initial longitudinal study of augmented language acquisition and a follow-up trilogy of studies that focused on characterizing the outcomes of the AAC intervention. We then discuss four broad methodological research considerations that have emerged from our own research and may influence the field's ability to assess the efficacy of AAC interventions: participant selection, intervention approaches, experimental design, and measurement of change.

• efficacy
• intervention
• severe developmental disabilities