Main description:

Providers of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) face a myriad of challenges in a rapidly changing and developing field. Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions is a unique solution-oriented text intended to prepare professionals to face those challenges with a "can do" perspective. Featuring contributions from prominent AAC researchers and providers, as well as actual AAC users, this resource traverses a wide range of scenarios that clinicians deal with on a daily basis.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Challenges and Solutions is divided into five sections with each chapter offering a different evidence-based solution. Part I provides an introduction and basis for the rest of the book. Part II focuses on the unique challenges of providing AAC in childhood, while Part III centers on dealing with adult disorders. In Part IV, the authors delve into special populations and issues, such as assisting individuals with multiple disabilities. In Part V, clinicians will find tips for becoming a solution-oriented provider.

Key Features
Contributions from national experts in AAC
Quotes and vignettes representing the experiences of actual AAC users
Featured challenges faced by providers and users alike
Evidence-based solutions for ready application in clinical contexts
Tools for implementing certain strategies, including example meeting scripts
A comprehensive glossary of terms
A highly readable writing style
An introductory chapter with bolded key terms to improve retention of the material

Contents:

Preface
Contributors

Part I. Introduction

Chapter 1. Challenges and Solutions in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Billy T. Ogletree

Part II. AAC Challenges and Solutions: Childhood

Chapter 2. Earlier Is Better: Challenges to Implementing AAC During the First Years of a Child's Life
Maryann Romski and Rose Sevcik

Chapter 3. AAC in Preschool: Navigating Challenges in Language and Literacy Instruction
Andrea Barton-Hulsey and Mirika King

Chapter 4. AAC in Schools: Mastering the Art and Science of Inclusion
Gloria Soto and Nancy Robinson

Chapter 5. Supporting Participation and Communication in Pre-Vocational Activities for Adolescents with Complex Communication Needs
David McNaughton and Salena Babb

Part III. AAC Challenges and Solutions: Adult Disorders

Chapter 6. AAC Interventions in Persons with Aphasia
Rajinder Koul and Tiffany Chavers

Chapter 7. Stage-Based Decisions for Access in ALS
Deirdre McLaughlin, Brett Peters, Brandon Mooney, Michelle Kinsella, Trinity Deibert, Kendra McInturf, Kerry Montgomery, Brian Epp, and Melanie Fried-Oken

Chapter 8. Access to AAC for Individuals with Severe Physical Impairments: Challenges and Solutions
Susan Fager and Tabatha Sorenson

Part IV. AAC Challenges and Solutions: Special Populations and Issues

Chapter 9. Challenges in AAC Intervention for People with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Jeff Sigafoos and Laura Roche

Chapter 10. Core Vocabulary as a Universal Starting Place
Karen Erickson, Penelope Hatch, Lori Geist, and Nancy Quick

Chapter 11. Implementing the Visual Immersion SystemTM in a Classroom for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Ralf Schlosser, Andrea Benz, Anna Allen, Laurel Chiesa, Christina Yu, Lisa Miori-Dinneen, and Jacqueline Cullen

Chapter 12. Fostering the Development of Emotional Competence: AAC Aided Strategies, Ideas and Solutions
Krista Wilkinson and Ji Young Na

Chapter 13. AAC and Multiculturalism: Incorporating Family Perspectives for Improved Outcomes
Claire Wofford and Rachel Hoge

Part V. Final Thoughts

Chapter 14. Becoming a Solution-Oriented AAC Provider
Billy T. Ogletree and Kelsie Williams