Natural Language Development in AAC

Session

2.7

Personal Experience

• • Lindsey Paden Cargill (Helping Hands Center for Special Needs – USA)

Summary

The processes of natural spoken language development and its precursors (e.g., cause and effect) are mirrored in the development of language using an AAC device.

Method/Activities/Techniques

Theory and video examples of natural spoken language development and their corresponding processes in the development of language and pre-language skills were examined and compared.

Results/Findings

The processes of natural spoken language development are able to be replicated in language development using an AAC device with a robust single word vocabulary with consistent, unique icon locations and auditory feedback.

Conclusions

When making clinical decisions about device settings, vocabulary and teaching techniques for a beginning AAC user, guidance can be found in the natural language learning processes.

Level of Session

General

Age Group

Child

Interest

Primary school