Exploring the Effectiveness of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)- Based Technological Supports on Communication Skills in Autistic Children
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability described by challenges in communication and social interactions. Due to these deficits, technological supports known as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) were assessed for its role in the context of developing communication skills in autistic children. Objective: To investigate the direct effects of AAC-based technological supports on the development of communication skills in autistic children aged 0-18. Methods: A narrative search was conducted on databases such as Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed and peer-reviewed studies on AAC interventions for autistic children (0–18 years). Articles underwent a screening process for relevance and was limited to English full texts. This data was synthesized narratively by outcomes, and discrepancies were resolved through reviewer discussion. Results: Study outcomes consistently demonstrated an overall improvement in communication skills and social participation. Although, a limitation was identified as the studies focused mainly on small samples and single-case designs. Visual scene displays and video-based AAC increased the initiation of communication, joint engagement, and turn-taking. In addition, speech-generating devices improved expressive language, and multistep communication. It was also found that multimodal AAC-based supports contributed to enhanced requesting, commenting, and responding, with some maintenance and generalization to peers. Finally, classroom and literacy-based AAC supports strengthened symbolic participation and social engagement. Conclusion: Current literature on AAC-based technological supports demonstrates its use for improving social communication and participation for autistic children. However, small sample sizes and limited evidence on long-term generalization highlight the need for increased large-scale research designs.