An introduction to augmentative and alternative communication. The authors discuss factors that are important when choosing communication systems, assessment strategies, environmental adaptation, and the principles for teaching comprehension and use of such communication systems to individuals with different disabilities, including motor impairments, learning disabilities and autism. The text has its basis in modern developmental theories of language and communication. It has a practical approach with many examples and focuses on every-day situations.

Augmentative and alternative communication concerns the use of non-speech communication modes for people unable to use speech and for augmenting communication for people with limited spoken language. This book focuses on the use of manual and graphic communication systems for clinical populations with developmental disorders of speech and language, including children, adolescents and adults with autism, dysphsia, intellectual impairment and motor impairment.

The developmental pathways that children and adolescents follow can be typical or atypical, and our understanding of each is changing. This unique textbook provides an engaging and comprehensive overview of the major themes and perspectives within developmental psychology, but also integrates an understanding of the processes that result in common disorders, .

The book is comprehensively split into 8 parts, includes end of chapter questions and a full glossary, and is supported by a full online suite of resources. It provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding...