Adult-directed communications of youth with mental retardation using the system for augmenting language

This study characterizes the success and effectiveness of adult-directed communications of youth with mental retardation and little or no functional speech who used the System for Augmenting Language (SAL), in concert with vocalizations and gestures, to communicate over a 2-year period. Subjects were introduced to the SAL, a speech-output communication device used during daily interactions, to encourage attempts at communication either at home or school. All subjects used the SAL at home and at school during the second year. Results indicate that subjects used the SAL with their extant forms of communication, particularly vocalizations. Extant communications were more successful than SAL communications, although the environment influenced the success of all the youth's communications. The SAL, however, was more effective than vocalizations or gestures in conveying information and interacting with adults in both environments. Maintenance, generalization, and implications for practice are discussed.