Augmentative and alternative communication in Canadian children with developmental disabilities

This thesis presents a two-part investigation of AAC use within a sample of children who have Developmental Disabilities (DD) with or without autism. Study 1 was derived from an online survey of 148 parents of children with DD. Within this sample, the types of AAC systems most commonly used and the levels of communication achieved are described. These variables were compared in children with autism to children with DD only. Factors affecting AAC use were examined (i.e., age, adaptive skills, and maladaptive behaviour). Study 2 involves an in-depth telephone interview with 12 parents of children who use an AAC system. Interview questions focused on four main areas; AAC use in general (e.g., communication level, functional use, participation), AAC service use/barriers (e.g., initial training, follow-up support, wait-lists, eligibility, parent satisfaction), experience across time (e.g., transitions, maintenance), and considerations of AAC use specific to children with autism (e.g., generalization, self-stimulatory use).