Systematic review of variables related to instruction in augmentative and alternative communication implementation: Group and single-case design
Purpose: This article provides a systematic review and analysis of group and single-case studies addressing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention with school-aged persons having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities resulting in complex communication needs (CCNs). Specifically, we examined participant characteristics in group-design studies reporting AAC intervention outcomes and how these compared to those reported in single-case experimental designs (SCEDs). In addition, we compared the status of intervention features reported in group and SCED studies with respect to instructional strategies utilized.
Participants: Participants included school-aged individuals with CCNs who also experienced ASD or ASD with an intellectual delay who utilized aided or unaided AAC.
Method: A systematic review using descriptive statistics and effect sizes was implemented.
Results: Findings revealed that participant features such as race, ethnicity, and home language continue to be underreported in both SCED and group-design studies. Participants in SCED investigations more frequently used multiple communication modes when compared to participants in group studies. The status of pivotal skills such as imitation was sparsely reported in both types of studies. With respect to instructional features, group-design studies were more apt to utilize clinical rather than educational or home settings when compared with SCED studies. In addition, SCED studies were more apt to utilize instructional methods that closely adhered to instructional features more typically characterized as being associated with behavioral approaches.
Conclusion: The authors discuss future research needs, practice implications, and a more detailed specification of treatment intensity parameters for future research.
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@article{reichle2023,
author = {Reichle, Joe and Pustejovsky, James E. and Vannest, Kimberly
J. and Foster, Margaret and Pierson, Lauren M. and Wattanawongwan,
Sanikan and Chen, Man and Fuller, Marcus and Haas, April N. and
Bhat, Bethany H. and Sallese, Mary R. and Smith, S. D. and Yllades,
Valeria and Rodriguez, Daira and Yoro, Amara and Ganz, Jay B.},
title = {Systematic Review of Variables Related to Instruction in
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Implementation: {Group}
and Single-Case Design},
journal = {American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {1734-1757},
date = {2023-05-26},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00314},
doi = {10.1044/2023_AJSLP-22-00314},
langid = {en}
}