ERIC Number: EJ1473363
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2195-7177
EISSN: EISSN-2195-7185
Available Date: 2023-08-18
A Systematic and Quality Review of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interventions That Use Core Vocabulary
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v12 n2 p363-379 2025
Core vocabulary is defined as "lexical items that are accepted as being central and indispensable to language use" (Bell, 2012, p. 1). Use of core vocabulary is common amongst professionals who teach augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to individuals with disabilities. Although the use of AAC is often classified as an evidence-based practice (EBP) (Steinbrenner et al., 2020; Wong et al., "Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders," 45(7), 1951-1966, 2015) an analysis of the relevant intervention procedures as well as the vocabulary used is often missing from syntheses of the literature. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to determine the quality and strength of the evidence for AAC interventions that use core vocabulary. A systematic database search and a subsequent screening process resulted in a total of 10 peer-reviewed studies that involved an AAC intervention that used core vocabulary. Each study's outcomes were then categorized as positive, mixed, or negative and a quality review was performed using the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) standards for evidence-based practices (Cook et al., "Teaching Exceptional Children," 46(6), 206-212, 2015a; "Remedial and Special Education," 36, 220-234, 2015b). Overall, the results suggest a lack of strong evidence in favor of AAC interventions that use core vocabulary. The results are discussed in the context of general suggestions for vocabulary selection and teaching practices for AAC systems.
Descriptors: Vocabulary, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Intervention, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Disability
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Victoria University of Wellington, School of Education, Educational Psychology, Wellington, New Zealand; 2Behavior Experts of Texas, Hurst, USA; 3Virginia Institute of Autism, Charlottesville, USA; 4University of Virginia, School of Education and Human Development, Charlottesville, USA; 5Esch Behavioral Consultants, Kalamazoo, USA