Training profoundly retarded adults to communicate using handguiding

Four multiply disabled, profoundly retarded young adults received two series of instructional activities designed to teach them to use handguiding to communicate basic needs and intents. All had failed in previous attempts to learn to communicate using augmentative devices and strategies. Caregivers and staff served as partners in communication. Three of the four subjects were successful in learning some basic communication skills using the strategy of having a partner and handguiding as a technique.