Fostering early language acquisition and AAC use: exploring reciprocal influences between children and their environments

Abstract

This paper proposes future directions for research examining the communicative environments of young children who are potential candidates for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and those who are already using AAC systems. The efficacy and dilemma in applying various candidacy criteria are examined, with recommendations for alternate procedures that can be used to predict the extent to which AAC systems will be used successfully. Next, needs and methods for examining present communicative environments are discussed. Arguments are presented in support of delineating environmental variables that foster and impede early language acquisition and AAC use. Finally, investigators are encouraged to develop replicable and generalizable procedures for optimizing children's early language and AAC experiences.