Research directions in augmentative and alternative communication for preschool children.
OBJECTIVE
To review issues related to the use of augmentative systems with young children and present a case study of one child and family's experience with the System for Augmenting Language (SAL).


METHODS
The case involved a preschool child with severe developmental delays who had little functional speech. Acquisition and use of graphic symbols on a speech-output communication device was studied in home and clinical settings. Language and communication behaviours of the child and his communication partners were observed and language assessment measures were collected.


RESULTS
Child engagement state varied across the two settings with a stable profile seen in the therapy setting and a clear increase at home. Child communicative attempts increased following the introduction of the augmented system. Parents reported successful use of the SAL.


CONCLUSIONS
SAL is a viable communication intervention approach for young children.
Sevcik
R A
RA
Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302-5010, USA. rsevcik@gsu.edu
Romski
M A
MA
Adamson
L B
LB
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome