The state of research and practice in augmentative and alternative communication for children with developmental/intellectual disabilities.
Augmentative and alternative communication is a compilation of methods and technology designed to supplement spoken communication for people with limited speech or language skills, including children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The field of AAC has evolved rapidly within the last 10 years, due to a combination of empirical advances from research as well as rapid changes in technology. This article reviews some of the most significant aspects of this growth as it relates to children with developmental disabilities. Major issues within the field, the evidence base available to practitioners and researchers, and promising areas of future growth are identified.
Wilkinson
Krista M
KM
Communication Sciences and Disorders, Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, USA. Krista_wilkinson@emerson.edu
Hennig
Shannon
S
D002648:Child; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012656:Self-Help Devices