A Scoping Review of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Interventions in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Muttiah, N., Gormley, J., et al. (2022).
Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 38(2), 123-134.
This systematic review investigates the effects of AAC intervention and communication-partner training on communication and participation for individuals with complex communication needs living in low- and middle-income countries. The languages used in intervention differed across studies.
Not stated
1985-2020
Peer-reviewed studies
18
<div>10 studies investigated direct interventions such as prompting, aided modeling, and creating communicative opportunities with aided AAC systems including Picture Communication Symbols, Bliss Symbols, communication boards, and high-tech systems. Positive outcomes for children in these studies included increased requesting, vocabulary, use of communication functions, efficiency, and production of symbol combinations.</div>
<div>Six studies targeted indirect intervention via communication partner training for both unaided and aided low- and high-tech AAC systems including gestures, sign language, PECS, pointing to pictures or words, communication boards, and SGDs. Positive findings included improved knowledge of communication, creation of communication opportunities, AAC device operation skills, elicitation of specific communicative behaviors, and perceptions of individuals with complex communication needs. Studies also reported positive outcomes for the individuals with complex communication needs, including increased expressive communication and overall participation.</div>
<div>Two studies investigated the use of AAC access and aided language stimulation in adults with aphasia in low and middle-income countries. They showed primarily positive gains narrative comprehension and symbol recognition.</div>
