Tangible Symbols as an AAC Option for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies
AAC: Augmentative & Alternative Communication
Roche, L., Sigafoos, J., et al. (2014).
AAC: Augmentative & Alternative Communication, 30(1), 28-39.
This systematic review investigates the effect of using tangible symbols (e.g., whole objects, miniature objects, parts of the actual referent) in augmentative and alternative communication systems on communication function and skills in individuals with a developmental disability.
Royal Society of New Zealand, Marsden Fund Council, New Zealand Government; Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand); University of Canterbury (New Zealand); New Zealand Institute of Language, Brain & Behaviour
Through November 2013
Peer-reviewed, English-language studies (not further specified)
9
"With intervention, 54% (n=70) of the participants, who ranged from 3 to 20 years of age, learned to use tangible symbols to communicate. However these findings must be interpreted with caution due to pre-experimental or quasi-experimental designs in five of the nine studies. Overall, tangible symbols appear promising, but additional studies are needed to establish their relative merits as a communication mode for people with developmental disabilities" (p. 28).
