A discussion of techniques developed to foster spontaneous verbal language in autistic children. Signed speech refers to the simultaneous production of signs and speech. After several months of this, the signs are faded out and the verbal language remaining is employed in a creative fashion. (AMH)

The current state of research into augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems is reviewed, and four dimensions of the study of communication handicap are described: structural, developmental, pragmatic (interaction), and technological. Recommendations regarding standardized research reporting procedures are offered in light of the…

Described is the alinguistic (without language) child, and proposed is a remedial program stressing manual communication methods. (Author/DB)

This 24-item annotated bibliography is intended to facilitate introduction to the field of sign language studies. It lists selected published works in English in which sign language is viewed from several different aspects, including: theoretical studies (nos. 1, 5, 6, 19, 20 and 21); works relating Sign to other visual communication systems (nos.…

Motivational factors and unique characteristics of sign language systems are suggested as contributing to the ability of severely dysfunctional nonverbal children to make progress within a manual communication medium. (Author/EJS)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 27 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: facilitation of language development in disadvantaged preschool children; auditory-visual discrimination skills, language performance, and development of manual…