A Systematic Review of Play-Integrated AAC Interventions for Minimally Verbal and Nonspeaking Children

This systematic review explored past experimental research on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions for minimally and nonspeaking autistic and intellectually/developmentally disabled children, with a focus on interventions which integrated play. Databases were searched between 2021 and 2025; included studies (n = 14) implemented AAC interventions for children ages 3-8 years old with a primary outcome of social communication. Studies were coded for AAC outcomes and play variables. Results indicate a temporal shift in intervention frameworks and level of play integration. Limitations include an expanded and broad definition of what constituted play-integrated interventions and restrictions on descriptions of the participants included. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. The primary meta-analysis was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42021292027).