Concurrent developmental language level change for children with autism spectrum disorder using alternative and...

We examined the concurrent change in developmental language phase (DLP) and linguistic status of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/autism, identified as Nonverbal/Minimally-Verbal (NV/MV), utilizing Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. We compared the linguistic output of NV/MV autistic children concurrently, with and without use of AAC systems. Additionally, we compared the linguistic level, characteristics, and early developmental milestones for AAC users and non-users. A sample of 23 autistic children (3-12 years-of-age) identified as NV/MV based on the DLP results by the Developmental/Verbal Language Phase parent-report questionnaire, participated in this cross-sectional study in Cyprus. Two groups formed based on AAC systems use (AAC users, AAC non-users). Parents completed the questionnaire through convenience sampling, determining the children's overall DLP concurrently, with and without use of AAC systems. Only 52.0% of participants used aided AAC systems to support their communication. No significant differences were noted in demographic/other variables between the groups. When AAC systems use was included in measuring linguistic expression for AAC users, 75.0% of them displayed improved linguistic level (DLP), half of whom elevated to a verbal-linguistic status. AAC users in the DLP-2 First-Words phase/level were more likely to switch to DLP-3 Word-Combinations and thus to verbal status, than those in the DLP-1 Preverbal phase/level. AAC system use can be associated with improved communication level and status, especially for autistic children already verbalizing at the word-level. Most AAC users were at an advantage in their language skills through AAC systems use, compared to non-users.