[Early development of language in small children with autism spectrum disorder using alternative systems]

The latest research findings show the importance of early intervention in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in all areas of development, including language. The use of augmentative and alternative communication systems (AACS) favors linguistic and communicative development.

To show the effectiveness of AACS to develop oral language in non-verbal toddlers diagnosed with ASD.

Thirty children (25 males and 5 females) diagnosed with ASD when they were between 18 and 30 months of age, through the instruments ADOS and ADIR. None of them displayed oral language development at the time of assessment. An intervention program in the area of language was designed based on the use of total communication by the therapist and training the child in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). One year later, the formal aspects of language were assessed with the PLON-R because oral language had been developed.

All the children had developed oral language to some extent over a one-year period.

Early intervention and the use of AACS with visual props favor the development of oral language in children with ASD in the first years of life.