THE STATE OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL/INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Augmentative and alternative communication is a compilation of methods and technology designed to supplement spoken communica-tion for people with limited speech or language skills, including children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The field of AAC has evolved rapidly within the last 10 years, due to a combination of empiri-cal advances from research as well as rapid changes in technology. This article reviews some of the most significant aspects of this growth as it relates to children with developmental disabilities. Major issues within the field, the evidence base available to practitioners and researchers, and promising areas of future growth are identified. '2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. MRDD Research Reviews 2007;13:58--69. Key Words: augmentative and alternative communication; assistive tech-nology; aided communication The term ‘‘augmentative and alternative communica-tion’ ’ (AAC) refers to a compilation of methods andtechnology designed to supplement spoken communi-cation for people with limited speech or language skills. A