This book is about the possibilities and achievements of children, adolescents and adults who
have developmental disorders that make their development of speech difficult or very delayed
and who therefore need to develop communication and language with other means than
speech. For some, the difficulties are temporary in childhood, others continue to communicate
with alternative communication systems throughout adulthood.
This comprehensive and accessible volume offers guidance based on current knowledge
about typical and atypical language development for all those supporting families and professionals
involved with children, adolescents and adults who may benefit from using augmentative
and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
The text covers all major issues and gives a thorough introduction to factors that are important
when choosing communication systems, vocabularies of manual signs and graphic symbols.
It guides the reader in assessment strategies, adaptation of the language environment,
and the principles for teaching comprehension and use of AAC, sentence formation and conversational
skills to individuals with different disabilities, including motor disabilities, intellectual
disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and developmental language disorders. The
volume also addresses the influence of AAC on speech development and the use of AAC to
promote participation in various activities, including social media, and to reduce challenging
behaviour.
The book will be essential reading for students and practising psychologists, speech and
language therapists, special educators, teachers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
The accessible guidance will also be helpful for the families of children, adolescents and adults
who use augmentative and alternative communication.
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