Graduate Student Research

Penn State graduate students in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and in Special Education, are involved in a wide variety of AAC research. Recent publications are listed in chronological order below.

Symbol-Infused Play for Children with CCN — Presentation

2016-08-23 by David McNaughton

For children with CCN, visual scene displays and other AAC systems that combine people, objects, actions, locations, and other relations are important components of infusing symbols with functional play to build communication, language, and learning.

The Effect of a Checklist on School-Based SLPs’ Descriptions of AAC Assessment — Presentation

2016-08-23 by David McNaughton

There is a significant need for evidence-based practice guidelines that improve school based AAC assessment (Beukelman & Yorkston, 2000; Soto et al., 2001). The results of this study indicate the potential of checklists to improve school-based augmentative and alternative communication assessment and intervention.

Using the iPad to Support Peer Interaction for Children with CCN — Presentation

2016-08-16 by David McNaughton

Intervention is needed to support peer interactions for young children who use AAC, so they can increase quality of life and realize the benefits of social relationships. Dr. Therrien’s work advances understanding about effective instruction and multimodal means that build opportunities for children with CCN and peers to interact.