{"title":"Parent-implemented AAC verb symbol intervention with children with ASD.","authors":"Cindy Gevarter, Erin Gallegos","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2408422","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2024.2408422","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A multiple-probe across participants design was used to examine whether three young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could learn to use verb symbols presented on an AAC application to request actions. Using researcher coaching (involving joint planning, descriptive instructions, and guided practice) parents of participants were taught to (a) embed opportunities for children to request actions in daily home routines, (b) model AAC responses, (c) use a prompt hierarchy with a time delay, and (d) contingently reinforce correct aided AAC responses. Following intervention delivered by parents, all three participants increased their use of verb symbols to request actions and parents implemented procedures with high fidelity. There were, however, individualized differences in rate of acquisition, variability of responding, readiness for fading supports, and moving to more advanced skills. One of the three participants was able to master two-step responses involving navigation to a category folder. Generalization of requesting actions to labeling actions was limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142478851","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In dialogue with the body: a phenomenological exploration of the interrelationship between people who use AAC and their AAC devices.","authors":"Wisnu A Pradana","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2407792","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2024.2407792","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This paper explores the intricate relationship between people who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and their AAC devices. Drawing upon insights from phenomenology, I conducted a modified systematic review to explore the enduring phenomenon of low AAC device adoption and as a means to unravel the moments of embodiment and disembodiment experienced by people who use AAC with their devices. The discussion begins with an introduction to phenomenology as a philosophical inquiry and the guiding principles I employed to explore the phenomenon, namely, <i>parte extra parte</i> and object embodiment. Subsequently, I analyze the hegemony of a device-centric approach within the AAC landscape and delve into the first-person experiences of people who use AAC in living with their devices. Lastly, I discuss the embodiment and disembodiment of people who use AAC with their devices, conceptualize the interrelationship between them, and provide future directions for a more holistic and participatory AAC development and investigation that centers on the lived experiences of people who use AAC.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"1-15"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142367154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Listen up! perspectives of people of color who use augmentative and alternative communication in the United States.","authors":"Shelley Lund, Yoosun Chung, Tracy Rackensperger, Alison Pentland, Adriana Castillo, Gracie Williams, Wendy Quach","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2407798","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2024.2407798","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Every individual has a fundamental right to communicate and access equal opportunities to fully participate in society. However, this right may not be fully manifested for individuals with communication access needs especially those from underrepresented groups. This project had two aims, to determine 1) the specific experiences, challenges, and aspirations related to the cultural identities of people of color (POC) who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and 2) how AAC service providers and manufacturers can support POC AAC users in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner. We conducted an online, asynchronous focus group with seven participants over eight weeks. The participants' responses were coded qualitatively. Seven major themes were identified: AAC is a Culture, AAC System Features, Self-Identity as a Person of Color who uses AAC, Experience with Service Providers, Improvements to the Field of AAC, Racial Inequities in AAC Support, and Future Research. Suggestions are provided regarding how service providers and manufacturers can serve as better allies to support POC who use AAC.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142367174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sofia Benson-Goldberg, Lily Gullion, Karen Erickson
{"title":"The role of the body in SGD-mediated interactions","authors":"Sofia Benson-Goldberg, Lily Gullion, Karen Erickson","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2398436","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2024.2398436","url":null,"abstract":"Most research about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has focused on improving use of and access to speech generating devices (SGDs). However, many adults with significant physical a...","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142225438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The application of the family of participation-related constructs (fPRC) framework to AAC intervention outcomes in children with complex communication needs: a scoping review.","authors":"Pauline Prinsloo, Shakila Dada, Kirsty Bastable, Parimala Raghavendra, Mats Granlund","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2023.2276701","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07434618.2023.2276701","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Participation is a fundamental human right, and being able to communicate is an essential component of participation in various life situations, such as at school, with peers, and in the community. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions aim to facilitate communication and social interaction, independence, and participation in all aspects of life. The purpose of this study was to summarize and map the AAC intervention outcomes for children with complex communication needs onto the Family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC) framework. The scoping review identified 270 studies for inclusion, and the data gathered was extracted and mapped onto the fPRC framework. The results indicate that although many studies have reported on participation-related constructs such as activity competence and context, there is still insufficient focus on attendance and involvement, sense of self, and environment constructs. Hence, future research in the field of AAC is needed on the various constructs of participation proposed by the fPRC framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"182-195"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138296360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Teaching South African center-based caregivers to implement augmentative and alternative communication strategies.","authors":"Kerstin Tönsing, Shakila Dada","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2023.2294741","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07434618.2023.2294741","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In South Africa, many children with extensive support needs-including children who require AAC-are accommodated in care centers rather than the public schooling system. Caregivers employed at these centers need training in order to support children's communication using augmentative and alternative methods. A total of 29 center-based caregivers took part in this study. A single group pretest-posttest design was used to evaluate the effect of a 5-day training workshop on caregivers' ability to demonstrate and implement five AAC strategies. The effect of the workshop on caregivers' perceptions of their own skills as well as the social validity of the training were also evaluated. Results suggest that the workshop effectively taught caregivers to demonstrate the skills in a simulated roleplay situation. A proportion of caregivers also supplied video footage after the workshop that suggests the ability to implement the strategies in the care center contexts. Caregivers also perceived their own skills to have improved post workshop, and evaluated the training positively.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"208-218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139038065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Krista M Wilkinson, Savanna Brittlebank, Allison Barwise, Tara O'Neill Zimmerman, Janice Light
{"title":"Visual fixation patterns to AAC displays are significantly correlated with motor selection for individuals with Down syndrome or individuals on the autism spectrum.","authors":"Krista M Wilkinson, Savanna Brittlebank, Allison Barwise, Tara O'Neill Zimmerman, Janice Light","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2325065","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2325065","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Eye tracking research technologies are often used to study how individuals attend visually to different types of AAC displays (e.g. visual scene displays, grid displays). The assumption is that efficiency of visual search may relate to efficiency of motor selection necessary for communication via aided AAC; however, this assumption has not received direct empirical study. We examined the relation between speed of visual search and speed of motor selection of symbols. Ten individuals on the autism spectrum (AS; Study 1) and nine with Down syndrome (DS; Study 2) participated in a search task using simulated AAC displays with a main visual scene display (VSD) and a navigation bar of thumbnail VSDs. Participants were given an auditory prompt to find one of four thumbnail VSDs in the navigation bar. Eye tracking technologies measured how long it took participants to fixate visually on the thumbnail VSD, and recorded how long it took participants to select the thumbnail VSD with a finger. A statistically significant relationship emerged between visual fixation and selection latencies, confirming the positive relationship between visual processing and motor selection for both groups of participants. Eye tracking data may serve as a useful proxy measure for evaluating how display design influences selection of AAC symbols, especially when individuals are unwilling or unable to comply with traditional behaviorally-based assessment tasks.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"155-167"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141089228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brenna Griffen, Christine Holyfield, Elizabeth R Lorah, Nicolette Caldwell
{"title":"Increasing linguistic and prelinguistic communication for social closeness during naturalistic AAC instruction with young children on the autism spectrum.","authors":"Brenna Griffen, Christine Holyfield, Elizabeth R Lorah, Nicolette Caldwell","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2023.2283846","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07434618.2023.2283846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effects of an intervention package using high-tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) with Naturalistic Instruction (NI), time delay, and prompting during social routines for preschoolers on the autism spectrum. The AAC was a communication application on a tablet programmed with color photo representations of participants and communication partners engaged in social routines. The primary dependent measure was a linguistic communication turn on the AAC device completing the instructor's cloze phrase related to the routine. A secondary dependent measure was prelinguistic communication -nonspecific vocalizations and smiling - within each turn of the routine. Results indicated that all communication types increased and maintained for all three participants with two participants meeting mastery criteria within the minimal number of sessions. These results are significant in providing additional evidence for the effectiveness of AAC intervention beyond teaching simple object requests and in teaching more socially meaningful communication to children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, this study supports the use of color photo representations to promote social interaction. Future research should continue to evaluate such interventions on a larger scale and include naturally occurring communication partners, such as siblings and peers.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"168-181"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138177624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mascha Legel, Gloria Soto, Nicola Grove, Annalu Waller, Stijn Deckers, Hans van Balkom, Ronald Spanjers, Christopher Norrie, Bert Steenbergen
{"title":"A tutorial: self-created film as a semiotic resource in AAC.","authors":"Mascha Legel, Gloria Soto, Nicola Grove, Annalu Waller, Stijn Deckers, Hans van Balkom, Ronald Spanjers, Christopher Norrie, Bert Steenbergen","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2387573","DOIUrl":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2387573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sharing personal stories with others is essential to human interaction and language development. To communicate, individuals use a variety of semiotic resources, including images, symbols, and written and spoken language. These modes are deployed in the co-construction of a daily face-to-face conversation. A self-created film can serve as a valuable resource to facilitate a deeper understanding of a personal experience, especially where spoken or written language may present a challenge, for example, for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Although the AAC literature indicates that using videos delivers benefits for aided communicators, guidelines on how to self-create, use, and transcribe them are rare. The present paper, a tutorial, describes how people who use AAC can develop a personal-video-scene (PVS) via the Film as Observable Communication (FaOC) method to utilize self-created films in sharing their stories. The first part of this paper, the theoretical framework, describes theories, methods, and practices from the fields of AAC, social semiotics, and visual anthropology, on which the FaOC method is based. The second part provides a step-by-step tutorial delivering practical guidance on how to create, use, and transcribe the PVS as a resource in conversations.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142019286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Melanie Fried-Oken, Michelle A Kinsella, Erik Jakobs, Tom Jakobs, Aimee Mooney, Betts Peters, Rebecca Pryor, Scott Spaulding
{"title":"Smart Predict: adding partner-suggested vocabulary to increase efficiency in a dual tablet AAC typing application.","authors":"Melanie Fried-Oken, Michelle A Kinsella, Erik Jakobs, Tom Jakobs, Aimee Mooney, Betts Peters, Rebecca Pryor, Scott Spaulding","doi":"10.1080/07434618.2024.2374314","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2024.2374314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Smart Predict is a novel two-tablet application developed to improve conversational efficiency for people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. The Smart Predict system consists of two distinct applications that were built for use with two Android tablets and/or phones with Bluetooth<sup>®</sup> capability. One application is referred to as the AAC User app and the second application is called the Partner app. Smart Predict integrates vocabulary supplementation from communication partners in real-time while persons who rely on AAC generate text and maintain full control to choose words within a word prediction line. Using single-case research designs with adapted alternating treatments under two counterbalanced treatment conditions (AAC User app alone versus AAC User app + Partner app), we examined message efficiency with persons who rely on switch scanning for on-screen keyboards. User experience questionnaires were administered to determine satisfaction and workload, and to provide feedback for future development efforts. Three adults with complex communication needs and motor impairments conversed with research staff about fourteen movie trailers. Characters per minute and switch selections per character produced by the person with complex communication needs and motor impairments were measured during 15-minute interviews to represent communication speed and effort. Results indicate that message efficiency increased with the dual-tablet Smart Predict, indicating faster message generation with the vocabulary supplementation system. User satisfaction increased and perceived effort decreased under the Smart Predict conditions. Given these results within a research and development framework, the Smart Predict concept is a viable feature that could be considered within smart AAC technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49234,"journal":{"name":"Augmentative and Alternative Communication","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142009837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}