Augmentative and alternative communication supports for adults with autism spectrum disorders

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version
Author(s)
Trembath, David
Iacono, Teresa
Lyon, Katie
West, Denise
Johnson, Hilary
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2014
Size

614215 bytes

File type(s)

application/pdf

Location
License
Abstract

Many adults with autism spectrum disorders have complex communication needs and may benefit from the use of augmentative and alternative communication. However, there is a lack of research examining the specific communication needs of these adults, let alone the outcomes of interventions aimed at addressing them. The aim of this study was to explore the views and experiences of support workers and family members regarding the outcomes of providing low-technology communication aids to adults with autism spectrum disorders. The participants were six support workers and two family members of six men and women with autism spectrum disorders, who had received low-technology communication aids. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and following thematic analysis, the results revealed strong support for, and the potential benefits of, augmentative and alternative communication for both adults with autism spectrum disorders and their communication partners. The results also revealed inconsistencies in the actions taken to support the use of the prescribed augmentative and alternative communication systems, pointing to the clinical need to address common barriers to the provision of augmentative and alternative communication support. These barriers include organisational practices and limitations in the knowledge and skills of key stakeholders, as well as problematic attitudes.

Journal Title

Autism

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
Issue

n/a

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2013 SAGE Publications and The National Autistic Society. This is the author-manuscript version of the paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Specialist studies in education

Cognitive and computational psychology

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections