Facilitating conversation through self-initiated augmentative communication treatment.

Area of Science:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Neurorehabilitation

Background:

• Individuals with severe speech impairments, such as those resulting from cerebral palsy, often require augmentative communication systems.
• Effective use of these systems is critical for social participation and quality of life.

Observation:

• Two adult males with cerebral palsy and severe speech deficits participated in the study.
• A multiple baseline design across subjects was employed to assess intervention effectiveness.
• The intervention focused on teaching the independent use of an augmentative communication system (Touch Talker).

Findings:

• The intervention significantly increased conversation initiations relative to reactions.
• The treatment program effectively trained subjects to use the augmentative system for increased communication participation.
• Device operation training alone was insufficient; direct conversational treatment enhanced performance.

Implications:

• Direct conversational treatment is essential when teaching augmentative communication systems to individuals with severe speech impairments.
• This approach can improve functional communication and social engagement for users of AAC.
• Future interventions should integrate device training with explicit conversational skill development.