Perceptions of communication style and influences on intervention practices for young children with AAC needs

The current study was designed to determine whether SLP perceptions of communication style (passive or active) affect their intervention planning and decision making for young children who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). A second goal was to determine whether SLPs who work with young children who use AAC target goals in intervention that promote and/or maintain an active communication style. An original survey was designed for the study. The SLP participants were asked to provide information about the design of AAC systems and the communicative opportunities made available to young children with AAC needs. Participants were recruited through email and were asked to respond to a Web-based survey. Eighty-nine preschool SLPs practicing in 20 states across the United States responded to the survey. Results indicated that many of the SLPs classified young children with AAC needs they have worked with as passive communicators. Furthermore, the SLPs reported differences in their intervention practices for children with AAC needs whom they considered active and passive communicators. The return rate for participants was small, and it is difficult to generalize the results. However, it appears that more emphasis needs to be placed on providing interventions that target communication skills that young children who use AAC need in order to be active communicators and to participate fully in their natural contexts.