Enhancing Communication for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with Severe Communication and Behavioral Deficits Through Technology:

Many students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present little or no functional speech (National Research Council, 2001). They rely on behaviors such as pointing, reaching, eye gazing, and various facial expressions to present their needs. Sometimes, these students present inappropriate behaviors such as aggression, tantrums, and self-injury to express themselves and indicate their wants and needs. In order to help these students learn communicative skills and reduce their inappropriate behaviors for communication purposes, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) approaches are recommended for their language and communication development.

Thanks to ARI….My students will be using AAC devices to communicate their needs and wants!!