Developing Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems in Languages Other Than English: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in languages other than English and multilingual AAC systems remains limited for many people with complex communication needs, despite a growing interest in this field, and an acknowledged need for culturally responsive AAC practice. Purpose: The purpose of this scoping review was to identify published research that has reported on the development of components or whole AAC systems in languages other than English, and the linguistic and cultural factors that influenced research methods and AAC system development. Method: Nine databases were systematically searched for published research that presented development of components or whole AAC systems in languages other than English. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Charted data from studies included journal and publication date, research team, language of AAC system, aims of the study, study methodologies, study participants, and type of AAC systems developed. An analytical framework was developed to identify the cultural and linguistic factors that influenced research methods and or AAC system outcomes. Results: A total of 22 studies were included (13 qualitative, one quantitative nonrandomized, six quantitative descriptive, and two mixed-methods studies). Overall quality of studies was high. Some qualitative studies were of lower quality due to limited analysis or interpretation of results. Linguistic factors were extensively reported in the existing literature, whereas cultural factors were rarely explicitly reported. Conclusion: Factors contributing to lack of reporting of cultural considerations are posited with suggestions for future research

Clinician Proposed Predictors of Spoken Language Outcomes for Minimally Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Our aim was to explore insights from clinical practice that may inform efforts to understand and account for factors that predict spoken language outcomes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who use minimal verbal language. We used a qualitative design involving three focus groups with 14 speech pathologists to explore their views and experiences. Using the Framework Method of analysis, we identified 9 themes accounting for 183 different participant references to potential factors. Participants highlighted the relevance of clusters of fine-grained social, communication, and learning behaviours, including novel insights into prelinguistic vocal behaviours. The participants suggested the potential value of dynamic assessment in predicting spoken language outcomes. The findings can inform efforts to developing clinically relevant methods for predicting children's communication outcomes.David Trembath, Rebecca Sutherland, Teena Caithness, Cheryl Dissanayake, Valsamma Eapen, Kathryn Fordyce, Grace Frost, Teresa Iacono, Nicole Mahler, Anne Masi, Jessica Paynter, Katherine Pye, Sheena Reilly, Veronica Rose, Stephanie Sievers, Abirami Thirumanickam, Marleen Westerveld, Madonna Tucke