Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Speaking Autistic Adults: Overview and Recommendations

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Zisk, A. H. & Dalton, E. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Speaking Autistic Adults: Overview and Recommendations. Autism in Adulthood, 1(2), 93-100. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2018.0007

Publication date: 13 Mar 2019 Added to AutiHub: 7 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. Alyssa Hillary Zisk *
  2. Elizabeth Dalton

Abstract

In recent years, technologies used for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) have seen increasing development and availability. As a result, more and more autistic people are using AAC. With the increased use of AAC by autistic people, research on autism and AAC has also increased. However, the vast majority of this research focuses on nonspeaking autistic children. AAC use by autistic adults and by speaking autistic people has received limited academic attention. Speaking autistic adults often use AAC and many have publicly shared information about their strategies and experiences. In this article, we provide an overview of the speech differences autistic adults choose to support through AAC, including varying difficulties with speech depending on environment and content. We also discuss the technologies and strategies adopted by autistic adults, including free or low-cost tools that are not specific to AAC, mobile technologies, and signed languages or gestures. We explore barriers to AAC use, including a lack of awareness of relevant options, misconceptions about who AAC supports are for, and the cost of dedicated AAC applications or devices. We then provide suggestions for autistic adults, people supporting autistic adults, and researchers. Overall communication-rather than speech-should be prioritized. Mainstream communication technologies can support communication for autistic adults and a variety of tools can support communication across contexts. Further research into the use and effectiveness of AAC for autistic adults is needed, as is research on barriers to AAC use. Lay Summary: What communication strategies do autistic adults see as effective?What AAC strategies are being used, in what environments, and by whom?What prevents effective AAC use?How can AAC specialists and autistic adults best collaborate to promote and evaluate AAC use?How can communication supports be designed to better meet the needs of autistic adults?

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Cited references
59
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
1 / 59 (1.7%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
1 / 65 (1.5%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 1 / 2 (50.0%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 1 / 62 (1.6%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
2 / 65 (3.1%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 2 / 62 (3.2%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 1 / 65 (1.5%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 1 / 2 (50.0%).
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