Augmentative & Alternative Communication: Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs

The authoritative text on augmentative  and alternative communication, this classic bestseller is now in its  fifth edition—revised and updated for a new generation of SLPs,  teachers, occupational therapists, and other professionals in clinical  and educational settings. Partnering with a team of distinguished  contributors, renowned experts David Beukelman and Janice Light deliver  today's most comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to AAC interventions  and technologies for children and adults with complex communication  needs. Future service providers will get in-depth coverage of essential  AAC topics, enhanced by helpful study questions, valuable perspectives  from people who use AAC, and case examples that illustrate key  principles.

Significantly expanded with new chapters on critical  topics, more practical information on how AAC systems work, and new  online companion materials, this definitive text will expertly prepare  readers to support communicative competence–and quality of life–for  children and adults with complex communication needs.

WHAT IS NEW

Professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on: 

• Collaborating with family members and other communication partners
• Making the most of mobile technologies and AAC apps
• Selecting an AAC system and tailoring it to individual needs
• Working effectively with families from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Supporting inclusion across the lifespan (including education, employment, and community life)
• Ensuring efficient patient-provider communication in medical settings
• Providing communication supports to people with autism spectrum disorder

TOPICS  COVERED: components and phases of AAC assessment * planning,  implementation, and evaluation of AAC interventions * working with  families *vocabulary and message selection *multimodal  communication*unaided representations * aided AAC symbols and other  representations * assistive technologies that support literacy * support  for beginning communicators * education * employment * assisted and  independent living * health care * selection and personalization of AAC  systems * AAC access techniques and output * interventions for people  with developmental disabilities * interventions for people with acquired  disabilities * the importance of advocacy