The Picture Exchange Communication System Training Manual


Book Description

This book presents an updated description of The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). It begins with a discussion of the "big picture," or the authors view on the importance of laying the foundation for communication training by systematically structuring the learning environment (be it in the home, community or school). This approach, The Pyramid Approach to Education, embraces the principals of broad-spectrum applied behavior analysis and emphasizes the development of functional communication skills, independent of communication modality. The Pyramid Approach is one of the few approaches that encourages creativity and innovation on the teacher's part through databased decision making.




Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions for Autism


Book Description

This handbook addresses evidence-based practices in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It provides an overview of the history of evidence-based practices and their importance as applied to the law, school settings, and factors that influence the use for treatment of ASD. Additional areas of coverage include evidence-based and non-evidence-based ABA interventions for autism as well as decision-making ethics related to these treatments. In addition, the book addresses cultural considerations as they relate to these treatments and examines procedural aspects of ABA interventions for autism. Key ABA treatments addressed include: Discrete trial teaching. Pivotal response training. Video modeling. Parent-mediated intervention. Early Start Denver Model, PEAK, PECS, and AAC. Script fading/activity schedules and differential reinforcement/extinction. Response interruption and redirection. Self-management and self-monitoring. The Handbook of Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions for Autism is a must-have resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and other professionals across such interrelated disciplines as clinical child, school, and developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, social work, rehabilitation medicine/therapy, pediatrics, and special education.







Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Engagement and Participation


Book Description

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Engagement and Participationreexamines the basic components of human communication based on the development of meaning between two people and provides a new theoretical framework for integrating the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies into interpersonal interactions. As such, it is an indispensable resource for speech-language pathologists, special education practitioners, and researchers in AAC, as well as for instructors and graduate students in the fields of speech and hearing sciences and special education. The book employs a creative synthesis of engagement (personal involvement) and participation (exchanges) to describe meaning-making and social closeness between partners. This process allows for the acknowledgment of different levels of shared meaning and outlines a novel approach to assessment and intervention. The book also describes the importance of integrating relational (interaction-oriented) as well as instrumental (goal-oriented) communication functions as essential in maintaining on-going relationships. Most resources in AAC tend to emphasize strategies for enhancing participation, rather than strategies associated with the development of engagement ("being with") to enhance communication between communication partners. In contrast, this text uses interactions between users of AAC and their communication partners as a basis to explore the creative synthesis between engagement and participation to provide clinical guidelines for assessment and intervention in both interpersonal and classroom contexts. Key features: A novel theoretical approach focused on engagement and participation as core components in AAC interventionEmphasis on empathic listening skills of both communication partner and user of AAC strategies to facilitate engagement (emotional resonance) between themGuidance for teachers on the benefits of a meaning-based approach to communication in the classroomApplication of empathic listening strategies to people with dementia to address an increasing need for care of patients with Alzheimer disease by caregivers and family membersIntegration of social media and face-to-face interactions as central to developing relationships in AAC interactions




The Handbook of Augmentative and Alternative Communication


Book Description

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a field which crosses many disciplinary boundaries. It is a rapidly changing field that uses the latest innovations and technologies to aid the language-disabled, and requires fluency not only in the hands-on technological aspect, but the service-delivery side as well. This well-written handbook addresses that need and is filled with practical information and extensive referencing. Some of its unique features include overview of development of assistive technology and its links with AAC, and present service delivery models in a variety of settings; discussions of available technology systems, strategies, and access, and issues of literacy development, funding and legal responsibility, and program effectiveness; examines special populations and special environments; includes case studies throughout; and extensive appendixes of devices, manufacturers, associations. A valuable text for graduate students studying communication disorders and special education, the book would be a useful addition to the professional library of anyone working with AAC users, most especially for those working with children.




Aided Augmentative Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders


Book Description

Just as autism is a continuum of disorders, it is associated with a broad range of neurodevelopmental, social, and communication deficits. For individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has a major impact on their daily lives, often reducing the occurrence of challenging behaviors. Aided Augmentative Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a practical guide to the field, offering readers a solid grounding in ASD, related complex communication needs (CCN), and AAC, especially visual and computer-based technologies. Widely used interventions and tools in AAC are reviewed—not just how they work, but why they work—to aid practitioners in choosing those most suited to individual clients or students. Issues in evaluation for aided AAC and debates concerning its usability round out the coverage. Readers come away with a deeper understanding of the centrality of communication for clients with ASD and the many possibilities for intervention. Key areas of coverage include: AAC and assessment of people with ASD and CCN. Interdisciplinary issues and collaboration in assessment and treatment. AAC intervention mediated by natural communication partners. Functional communication training with AAC. The controversy surrounding facilitated communication. Sign language versus AAC. Aided Augmentative Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders is an essential resource for clinicians/practitioners, researchers, and graduate students in such fields as child and school psychology, speech pathology, language education, developmental psychology, behavior therapy, and educational technology.




Multimodal Aac for Individuals with Down Syndrome


Book Description

This volume examines the role of multimodal augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in supporting speech, language, and communication of individuals with Down syndrome, across the lifespan.




Augmentative and Alternative Communication


Book Description

The fourth edition of the foundational, widely adopted AAC textbook Augmentative and Alternative Communication is the definitive introduction to AAC processes, interventions, and technologies that help people best meet their daily communication needs. Future teachers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and other professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on advancing literacy skills; conducting effective, culturally appropriate assessment and intervention; selecting AAC vocabulary tailored to individual needs; using new consumer technologies as affordable, nonstigmatizing communication devices; promoting social competence supporting language learning and development; providing effective support to beginning communicators; planning inclusive education services for students with complex communication needs; and improving the communication of people with specific developmental disabilities and acquired disabilities. An essential core text for tomorrow's professionals--and a key reference for in-service practitioners--this fourth edition prepares readers to support the communicative competence of children and adults with a wide range of complex needs.




Autism Spectrum Disorders


Book Description

The fifth edition of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Advancing Positive Practices in Education provides readers with a comprehensive and accessible understanding of current research and evidence-based practices in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), linking research, theory, and practice. This new edition includes new chapters on trauma and co-morbidity, current trends in autism research, social media, neurodiversity, and aging in people with ASD. It also features updated content on international contexts and culturally sustaining and relevant practices. Aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, this text continues to be critical reading for students and researchers in special and inclusive education programs.