Transitions from Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC)
to Speech: A Pilot Investigation University of Kansas Nonverbal
school-age children with autism have not received sufficient
attention from the research world (NIH conference, April 2010).
Despite considerable efforts to improve communication during
preschool years, many children with autism remain nonverbal or
have very minimal verbal repertoires. One of the goals
identified in the strategic plan for Autism Speaks is to develop
and test the efficacy of treatments for school age nonverbal
children, specifically treatments aimed at improving a core
autism symptom. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate a
multi-modal comprehensive intervention focusing on word
production that includes four components: speech sound practice
based on principles of developmental phonology, joint book
reading, computerized instruction, and AAC. The package will
increase auditory and visual input (via picture symbols and
text) for the targeted words as well as i