Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulty with communication – approximately 30% of children with ASD may not use speech as their primary mode of communication. For these individuals, AAC can support communication for social participation, academic learning, and language development. Research has shown that children with ASD can learn to use AAC systems and strategies, however there is still much to learn about how to to best support children with ASD in learning communication skills.

Research at Penn State is investigating how to design and support AAC systems that will help children with ASD

• learn language and communication skills
• develop literacy skills
• participate in general education classrooms

We are also conducting research in order to better understand the perspectives of parents and teachers, and to identify strategies to support communication and collaboration among AAC team members.