Purpose: This scoping review aims to characterize the body of literature addressing literacy interventions involving young children (ages 2--8 years) who use or would benefit from aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Method: A systematic search was conducted in six databases. The search yielded 33 intervention studies.…

Children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are multimodal communicators. However, in classroom interactions involving children and staff, achieving mutual understanding and accomplishing task-oriented goals by attending to the child's unaided AAC can be challenging. This study draws on excerpts of video recordings of…

Background/purpose: This study investigates the efficacy of iPad-based interventions in improving communication skills among students with autism, focusing on two participants with minimal functional speech. Materials/methods: A multiple baseline design was employed, consisting of two phases--a baseline phase (A), where the participants had access…

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the vocal characteristics of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and anarthria using the stage model of vocal development. Method: Vocal characteristics of 39 children with CP and anarthria around 4 years of age were analyzed from laboratory-based caregiver--child interactions. Perceptual coding analysis was…

Children who lack functional spoken language are candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Aided AAC and naturalistic interventions offer the potential to extend the communication functions demonstrated by children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are nonspeaking. Related intervention research, however, has been…

Purpose: This systematic review evaluates the latest available evidence regarding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions in children from 0 to 6 years old diagnosed with various disabilities. Method: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE (OVID), PsycINFO (EBSCO), ERIC (ProQuest), SCIELO (WOS), Teacher Reference…

Vestibular input (VI) activities are linked with skill learning, engagement, and communication. This study investigated the influence of VI activities on the responses of non-verbal children with autism spectrum disorders (CWASD) when prompted to request a reinforcer using picture exchange communication. A single subject alternating treatment…

The purpose of this article is to describe procedures for a team approach to implementing a tangible symbol communication system (TSCS) to support communication skill development of young children with multiple/severe disabilities (MSD). The authors suggest that implementation of a TSCS is a process that includes (a) assessment of child…

Despite evidence for the usefulness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for young children with complex communication needs (CCN), several barriers prevent children from accessing AAC intervention. This qualitative study is focused on understanding the lived experiences of parents accessing and learning how to use speech-generating…

The use of speech-generating devices (SGD) in early interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can improve communication and spoken language outcomes. The purpose of this study was to describe children's responsiveness to SGD input modeled by a social partner during adult-child play interactions over a 24-week intervention…

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a speech-generating device (SGD) application on manding skills in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the communication challenges faced by many individuals with ASD, alternative methods for expressing needs are crucial. The SGD utilized speech synthesis technology to provide…

The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and language outcomes of coaching parents to implement an aided language stimulation intervention using Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books. Two parent--child dyads, with children aged 4 years 6 months and 4 years 8 months participated in a home-based…

Background: Current UK measures of early spoken language comprehension require manipulation of toys and/or verbal responses and are not accessible to children with severe motor impairments. The Computer-Based Instrument for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT) (originally validated in Dutch) is a computerized test of spoken language comprehension…

Purpose: The goal of this study was to identify promising implementation strategies that may increase teachers' and speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) adoption of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during routine classroom activities. Method: A grounded theory approach was used to collect and code online, semi-structured interviews…

Parent training programs aimed at improving language outcomes for children with complex communication needs have predominantly been evaluated on child-centered outcomes and less often on the impact on social life or parental well-being. This study examined parent perceptions of social life before and after ComAlong, a group intervention providing…