Augmentative Communication, and Assistive Technology

Autism is a developmental disability that is characterized by deficits in social and communication skills (Autism Society of America, 2005). While in typically developing children, speech and language develop rapidly during the first three years of life, children with autism have major difficulties in the acquisition of verbal communication (Child Development Institute, 2005; Kaiser, Hester, & McDuffie, 2001).

These difficulties can exacerbate other problems related to autism. Without a means of communication, children who already have severe deficits in social skills find it almost impossible to interact with others. Also, the frustration of not being able to communicate is responsible for many of the behavior problems associated with autism (National Research Council, 2001).

Alternative Augmentative Communication is one way in which to provide children with a means of communicating. AAC takes many forms and I will try to tackle all on this blog. These may include but are not limited to ...

• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
  
• Sign Language
• Alternate Communication Devices (aka: Assistive Technology) such as the DynaVox