Effectiveness of Different Types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Improving Communication Skills and in Enhancing the Vocabulary of Children With ASD: A Review
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Syriopoulou-Delli, C. K., & Eleni, G. (2022).
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 9(4), 493-506.
This systematic review investigates the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) therapies (e.g., Picture Exchange Communication System, Makaton, signing, speech-generating devices [SGD]) for children on the autism spectrum.
No funding received
2009 to 2019
Peer-reviewed primary studies incorporating an intervention, experiment, or case study
20
<div>AAC interventions showed the following outcomes for children (5-13 years old) on the autism spectrum:</div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Requesting Skills</strong>: Ten of the 12 included studies demonstrated positive effects for requesting, while two demonstrated mixed results.</li>
<li><strong>Communication Skills</strong>: Seven of the 10 included studies demonstrated positive effects for communication skills, while three demonstrated mixed results.</li>
<li><strong>Multi-Symbol Messages</strong>: One study with 6 participants reported positive outcomes regarding multi-symbol messages.</li>
<li><strong>Reading and Writing</strong>: One study, investigating the provision of dynamic text alongside speech output and pictures from an SGD, noted positive results in sight word reading.</li>
<li><strong>Generalization:</strong> Eights of of 9 studies found positive outcomes, while one study reported mixed outcomes.</li>
<li><strong>Maintenance:</strong> Eight of 12 studies noted positive outcomes, and four studies showed mixed results.</li>
</ul>
<div>The authors found no studies investigating the impact of AAC interventions on vocabulary. Small sample sizes and limited research on the impact of specific interventions on specific outcomes were notable limitations to this review. Further research is indicated.</div>
