Advances in AAC intervention: some contributions related to applied behavior analysis

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Developmental Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Extends Dr. Remington's call for collaboration between behavioral and natural developmental approaches in communication intervention.
• Addresses key topics like pivotal behaviors, matching law, response efficiency, generalization, and maintenance.
• Highlights the need for integrating contemporary research into translational research and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand on Dr. Remington's discussion regarding the integration of behavioral and natural developmental approaches.
• To explore specific concepts such as pivotal behaviors, matching law, and generalization in the context of communication intervention.
• To emphasize the importance of increased interaction among proponents of different intervention approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis.
• Discussion of contemporary research areas relevant to communication intervention.
• Analysis of topics including pivotal behaviors, matching law, response efficiency, generalization, maintenance, and general case instruction.

Main Results:

• Identified pivotal behaviors that can facilitate communication acquisition.
• Discussed the application of matching law and response efficiency in communication intervention.
• Emphasized the significance of generalization and maintenance for effective communication skills.
• Highlighted the relevance of general case instruction, including stimulus and response classes.

Conclusions:

• Agrees with the value of behavioral approaches and methodology for AAC researchers and practitioners.
• Stresses the need for greater interaction and collaboration among proponents of diverse intervention approaches.
• Advocates for better integration of contemporary research findings into AAC practice and translational research.