title: AAC Interventions for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: State of the Science and Future Research Directions.
abstract: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) provides a means of effective communication to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many of whom are unable to use conventional speech effectively. The purposes of this article are (a) to summarize and synthesize the last few decades of research on the use of AAC with people with ASD; (b) to indicate implications of this research for stakeholders such as people with ASD, their family members, and educators with whom they work; and (c) to outline priorities for future research to improve communication and other outcomes for individuals with ASD and their loved ones. People with ASD stand to greatly benefit from AAC, particularly with current AAC technologies, as described in this article.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University , College Station, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Ganz
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000639:trends*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research / Q000639:trends
keywords: Aided AAC; Assistive technology; Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); Autism spectrum disorder; Communication