Concurrent developmental language level change for children with autism spectrum disorder using alternative and augmentative communication systems: a cross-sectional study in Cyprus.

This study looked at 23 autistic children who had little or no speech and whether using communication devices (AAC) helped their language development. When children used these devices, 75% showed better language skills, and half moved from being nonverbal to verbal. Children who could already say some words benefited the most. The research suggests communication devices can really help autistic children develop language skills.

This cross-sectional study examined 23 nonverbal/minimally verbal autistic children (ages 3-12) in Cyprus to assess how AAC systems impact developmental language phases. Only 52% used AAC systems. When AAC use was included in language assessments, 75% of AAC users showed improved linguistic levels, with half achieving verbal-linguistic status. Children already at the first-words phase were more likely to progress to word combinations and verbal status compared to those at preverbal levels.

AAC users demonstrated advantages in language skills compared to non-users, particularly benefiting children who had some verbal abilities.

AAC systems appear beneficial for nonverbal/minimally verbal autistic children, particularly those with some verbal abilities. Clinicians should consider AAC implementation especially for children at first-words developmental phase. However, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal AAC intervention protocols.

Small sample size (23 participants), cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, convenience sampling may introduce bias, only 52% used AAC systems creating uneven group sizes, and concurrent comparison method may not capture long-term developmental changes.

We examined the concurrent change in developmental language phase (DLP) and linguistic status of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/autism, identified as Nonverbal/Minimally-Verbal (NV/MV), utilizing Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. We compared the linguistic output of NV/MV autistic children concurrently, with and without use of AAC systems. Additionally, we compared the linguistic level, characteristics, and early developmental milestones for AAC users and non-users. A sample of 23 autistic children (3-12 years-of-age) identified as NV/MV based on the DLP results by the Developmental/Verbal Language Phase parent-report questionnaire, participated in this cross-sectional study in Cyprus.

Two groups formed based on AAC systems use (AAC users, AAC non-users). Parents completed the questionnaire through convenience sampling, determining the children's overall DLP concurrently, with and without use of AAC systems. Only 52.0% of participants used aided AAC systems to support their communication. No significant differences were noted in demographic/other variables between the groups.

When AAC systems use was included in measuring linguistic expression for AAC users, 75.0% of them displayed improved linguistic level (DLP), half of whom elevated to a verbal-linguistic status. AAC users in the DLP-2 First-Words phase/level were more likely to switch to DLP-3 Word-Combinations and thus to verbal status, than those in the DLP-1 Preverbal phase/level. AAC system use can be associated with improved communication level and status, especially for autistic children already verbalizing at the word-level. Most AAC users were at an advantage in their language skills through AAC systems use, compared to non-users.