Schlosser RW, Sigafoos J. Augmentative and alternative communication interventions for persons with developmental disabilities: narrative review of comparative single-subject experimental studies.
RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2006;
27:1-29. [PMID:
16360073 DOI:
10.1016/j.ridd.2004.04.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2004] [Revised: 04/13/2004] [Accepted: 04/24/2004] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) as an area of clinical and educational practice involves a myriad of decisions related to the symbols, devices, and strategies from which each client must choose. These decision-making points can be productively informed through evidence from comparative intervention studies. The purpose of this review was to synthesize comparative AAC intervention studies using single-subject experimental designs involving participants with developmental disabilities. Following a systematic search, each qualifying study was reviewed in terms of a priori determined appraisal criteria, and summarized in tabular format. Studies were divided into three groups according to their study of aided approaches, unaided approaches, or a combination of both. Results are discussed in terms of methodological adequacy of the studies and their implications for future research and practice.
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