Naturalistic Augmentative and Alternative Communication Instruction for Practitioners and Individuals With Autism

Abstract

Using speech as an effective communication method is a challenge for many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research suggests aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used with young individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) can result in improved communication quality and frequency. The effectiveness of AAC with individuals with ASD and CCN is in part due to its visual nature and utilization of concrete representations of abstract concepts, making it manageable to use. Teaching in natural settings integrates learning into their routine and benefiting individuals with ASD who tend to have difficulty generalizing learning to new situations. Blending naturalistic techniques to teach AAC with behavior techniques is an innovative way to integrate an individual’s ability to generalize with his or her need for direct teaching. This paper offers methods of implementing naturalistic techniques as a tool for practitioners to engage in communication development with individuals with ASD.