Demographics of preschoolers who require AAC

Lang Speech Hear Serv Sch. 2006 Jul;37(3):200-8. doi: 10.1044/0161-1461(2006/022).

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the investigation was to gather demographic information pertaining to preschoolers who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Method: To obtain this information, a survey was developed and then distributed to preschool speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Pennsylvania.

Results: Results indicated that approximately 12% of preschoolers receiving special education services required AAC. These children came from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, had a wide variety of disabilities, used a range of AAC systems, and required services from a wide range of educational professionals.

Implications: The findings indicate the pressing need for all preschool SLPs to be prepared to provide services for children who require AAC.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Communication Aids for Disabled / statistics & numerical data*
  • Communication Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Communication Disorders / therapy*
  • Data Collection
  • Demography
  • Education, Special / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pennsylvania / epidemiology
  • Speech-Language Pathology