title: Current and future AAC research considerations for adults with acquired cognitive and communication impairments.
abstract: Adults with acquired language impairments secondary to stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases are candidates for communication supports outside of the traditional restoration-based approaches to intervention. Recent research proves repeatedly that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides a means for participation, engagement, conversation, and message transfer when individuals can no longer expect full return of pre-morbid communication skills and that inclusion of communication supports should begin early. We discuss current research and future directions for integrated systems of technical supports that include low-technology, high tech, and partner-dependent strategies for adults with severe and chronic aphasia, cognitive-communication problems resulting from traumatic brain injuries, and primary progressive aphasia.
authors.affiliation: Oregon Health & Science University, CDRC, P. O. Box 574, Portland, OR 97239, USA. friedm@ohsu.edu
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fried-Oken
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Beukelman
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hux
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000639:trends*; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans