• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

New Resource Spotlight

What’s New?

Find up-to-date information and resources for supporting students with disabilities.

  • Facebook
  • Email
  • Phone

T-TAC ODU

Linking People and Resources

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Library
    • Publications
    • Newsletter
    • Assistance Request
  • Focus Areas
    • Administration
    • Assistive Technology
    • Autism
    • Behavior
    • Early Childhood
    • Intellectual Disabilities
    • Math
    • Reading
  • Events
  • Resource Hub

Published February 2014 Filed in Assistive Technologycategory

ABA Meets AAC

Techniques used in applied behavior analysis can complement as well as supplement the strategies that are effective in teaching communication to non-verbal children. Many of the techniques used during discrete trial instruction can also be used during “teachable moments” and incidental language learning opportunities.

 

Research
Techniques used in applied behavior analysis can complement as well as supplement the strategies that are effective in teaching communication to non-verbal children. Many of the techniques used during discrete trial instruction can also be used during “teachable moments” and incidental language learning opportunities. Modeling, prompting, playing, and reinforcing are tools educators use consistently in both ABA and speech-language and communication therapy.

 

Somewhere between 12 and 15 months, the young child should begin to produce first word approximations. If a child does not begin to produce word approximations, it is critical that AAC be introduced before the child experiences failure. There are no documented reasons for Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) systems to be withheld from children who are nonverbal.  In fact, in a review of the research, Millar, Light, and Schlosser (2006) found that AAC interventions have a positive impact on speech production among all ages and across a variety of AAC intervention approaches. Of the participants in the review, 94% demonstrated an increase in speech production. Augmentative & Alternative Communication systems are used to provide a means of expressive communication while verbal language is developing. Common AAC systems used with children in ABA therapy to support communication development include the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), picture choice boards and dedicated voice activated devices that augment expressive communication.

 

Caferio (2011) describes the importance of balancing rigid ABA strategies with a more natural approach to language learning and provides ideas on creating communication opportunities. Her suggestions include: arranging the environment to create the need to communicate, integrating AAC into your verbal language when commenting and questioning, and providing models for language learning.

 

Application
*Model & Expand
When the child requests “car”, expand the request to “blue car”.

*Ask
When the child requests car, ask for clarification “blue or red (car)?”

*Create scenarios for asking questions Hide the car and encourage the child to ask, “Where’s car?”

 

References
Cafiero, J.M. (2011). AAC meets ABA: Natural aided language interventions for individuals with autism and complex communication needs. Retrieved from http://www.joannecafiero.com/AAC%20Meets%20ABA.pdf

 

Millar, D.C., Light, J.C., & Schlosser, R.W. (2006). The impact of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on the speech production of individuals with developmental disabilities: A research review. Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, 49, 248-264.

Tags: AAC, ABA Therapy, Alternative Communication, Augmentative Communiucation

Related Articles

What? That’s AT?
New Finds in the TTAC ODU Lending Library
Helping Families Build Strong Foundations for Home Learning

Footer

Locations

Main Office & Library
T-TAC ODU
Old Dominion University
860 W. 44th St
Norfolk, VA 23529

Child Study Center
4501 Hampton Blvd, Room 224
Norfolk, VA 23529
Education Building
4301 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23529

Contact

Phone: (757) 683-4333
TDD: (757) 683-5963
FAX: (757) 451-6989
Email: info@ttac.odu.edu
Request Assistance

T-TAC ODU
Copyright ©  2025 T-TAC ODU | All Rights Reserved | Sitemap