Preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) with no or unintelligible speech need augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), but not all children needing AAC have access to it. This study describes the use and perceived benefit of AAC and explores factors associated with receiving AAC interventions. Using a cross-sectional design, we…

Due to loss of spoken language and resulting complex communication needs, people with Rett syndrome are obvious candidates for communication intervention. To advance evidence-based practice and guide future research efforts, we identified and summarized 16 communication intervention studies published since a previous 2009 review on this topic.…

The article introduces five case study reports that illustrate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions with adults who have severe acquired communication disorders. Issues common to AAC management of adults are considered as are issues specific to the conditions of amytrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, brain…

Professionals involved in the development of communication systems for clients with severe communication disorders should not be influenced excessively by the tendency to view either the augmentative communication or the natural speech approach as the sole solution. A balanced intervention approach best serves clients' individual needs and…

A core reference list presents 199 citations of journal articles, books, papers, and other publications dealing with various aspects of augmentative and alternative communication, covering various disabled and nondisabled populations, child to adult age ranges, and topics such as assessment, longitudinal development/acquisition,…

Discussion of the impact of a severely communication disabled child on the family focuses on ways professionals can involve parents in their child's use of augmentative and alternative communication devices. Specific strategies presented include providing information, using a systems approach, creating support networks, and advocating teamwork.…

The literature regarding cognitive prerequisites to communication development for nondisabled and disabled children is reviewed. Issues related to providing communication teaching programs for severely disabled children are discussed, and specific intervention strategies related to introduction of augmentative and alternative communication systems…

A case study of a difficult to manage nonspeaking young man with brain injury is presented. Assessment and intervention indicated severe cognitive-linguistic deficits, severe physical involvement of all extremities, extensive surgical management, visual perceptual and acuity deficits, and behavioral problems. (Author/DB)

The case study of a six-year-old nonspeaking girl with severe cerebral palsy demonstrated the effectiveness of intervention with augmentative and alternative communication methods. Both picture symbol communication and functional speech emerged and the child, initially believed to be mentally retarded, was determined to be of normal intelligence.…