A Review of Language Modeling Using Eye-tracking Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices: Past, Present, and Future

Language modeling is pivotal in language learning for children both with and without complex communication needs resulting from a variety of disabilities. At the heart of language modeling is providing models of children’s expressive language system. For children with complex communication needs, additional communication modes such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), which refers to the multimodal communication used by individuals with language impairments, are essential in order to satisfy the needs of language learning and communication. Thus, providing language models in the form of AAC language paired with spoken models is essential in supporting language learning in children with complex communication needs. Modeling AAC language refers to instructional approaches that partners who possess greater skills and understandings activate aided AAC symbols (e.g., pointing to, touching) while providing spoken models to individuals with complex communication needs. This study reviews the use of AAC modeling approach in promoting language learning in children with complex communication needs. The findings highlight the important role of language learning and teaching using AAC devices to support children with complex communication needs and reveal a critical need for more research on language learning experiences in this underrepresented group of learners