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The Use of Alternative Augmentative Communication in Children and Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a Critical Review

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Neurodevelopmental disorders lead, many times, to serious communication problems that also affect their quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to undertake rehabilitation projects aimed at promoting communication through the use of alternative and augmentative communication strategies and tools. The main objective of this systematic review based on existing scientific literature is to analyze the different types of rehabilitation systems and/or programs based on the use of AAC: technology-free, low-tech, and high-tech.

Recent Findings

The results indicate clear levels of effectiveness in relation to medium- and high-tech SGD devices for mediating AAC interventions oriented towards the development of communication and language skills.

Summary

Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) makes it possible to improve a person’s communication skills starting from minimal behaviors that are already present in the individual repertoire.

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Data Availability

Data were available without any restriction upon request to the corresponding author.

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Università degli Studi “Giustino Fortunato”, Benevento, Italy

    Donatella Ciarmoli & Fabrizio Stasolla

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  1. Donatella Ciarmoli
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  2. Fabrizio Stasolla
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Correspondence to Fabrizio Stasolla.

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Ciarmoli, D., Stasolla, F. The Use of Alternative Augmentative Communication in Children and Adolescents With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: a Critical Review. Curr Dev Disord Rep 10, 14–19 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-023-00273-9

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