The Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on the Speech Production of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: A Research Review
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Millar, D. C., Light, J. C., et al. (2006).
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248-264.
This review investigates the effects of any aided or unaided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system on the development of speech production in individuals with developmental disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy) and significant speech impairments.
Not stated
The data in this systematic review are included in another document which can be found in the Associated Article section below.
1975-2003
Not further specified
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<div>Preliminary evidence finds that AAC interventions do no prevent speech and verbal expression, and instead, may support speech production in individuals with developmental disabilities. Across a wide age span (2-60 years), individuals demonstrated gain in their speech and verbal expression. Both highly-structured clinician-directed approaches and child-centered approaches showed positive effects. </div>
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<div>Additional research is needed to investigate the effects of aided and unaided AAC interventions on speech production in children and adults with developmental disabilities. </div>
<div>AAC interventions did not negatively impact speech production in individuals with intellectual disabilities, and showed an increase in speech production or no change in speech production post-AAC intervention (27/27 studies). No studies reported a decrease in speech production with the use of AAC intervention. Although the evidence is modest, the authors conclude that AAC enhances communicative competence and language skills.</div>
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<div>Additional research is needed to determine the effects of aided and unaided AAC interventions on speech production for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.</div>
