title: Issues in augmentative and alternative communication in child psychiatry.
abstract: This article provided an introduction to AAC systems for children and adolescents with severe spoken-language disorders. Over the last decade, significant advances have been made in assessment and intervention approaches. For children with severe spoken communication disabilities, the AAC assessment is an ongoing process that includes information about the child's communication development, the child's environments, and the child's physical abilities. Children with severe disabilities who use AAC systems can demonstrate communication achievements far beyond traditional expectations. Recommended assessment and intervention practices are continuing to develop and the future is certainly optimistic for children with severe spoken-language disorders who may use AAC to communicate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, USA. rsevcik@gsu.edu
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sevcik
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Romski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*