Interaction involving individuals using augmentative and alternative communication systems: State of the art and future directions

TLDR

The field lacks reliable, socially valid measures to evaluate intervention outcomes for individuals using AAC systems. This paper reviews interaction patterns of AAC users, highlights methodological issues, and proposes future research to articulate a communicative competence model. The authors review existing studies and propose a communicative competence model that integrates personal and social perspectives from users, partners, and observers. The review suggests directions for future research.

Abstract

This paper reviews the research which has considered the interaction patterns of individuals using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and highlights the major methodological issues and findings. Most noteworthy of the limitations to this research is the lack of reliable and socially valid measures to evaluate the outcomes of intervention in the field. Directions for future research are suggested. Specifically, it is proposed that future research is required to articulate a model of communicative competence for individuals using AAC systems. This model should consider both the personal perspective of the user and the broader social perspective, as determined by partners and by third party observers.