Clinical Implications of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Taxonomy

Abstract

This article offers a taxonomy of certain augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system components that can provide a framework for clinical decisions and choices related to AAC and form a basis for the development of a theory of AAC communication. A flowchart has been developed based on the proposed taxonomy for clinical decision making in the selection and use of indexes, icons, and symbols as part of an AAC system. The scope, goals, interrelationships, and developmental processes of indexes, icons, and symbols are discussed in the context of developing efficient and productive AAC systems.

• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• symbols
• taxonomy