“Everyone Deserves AAC”: Preliminary Study of the Experiences of Speaking Autistic Adults Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication

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Donaldson, A. L., corbin, e., & McCoy, J. (2021). “Everyone Deserves AAC”: Preliminary Study of the Experiences of Speaking Autistic Adults Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 6(2), 315-326. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_persp-20-00220

Publication date: 26 Apr 2021 Added to AutiHub: 7 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 3 (33.3%)
  1. Amy L. Donaldson
  2. endever* corbin *
  3. Jamie McCoy

Abstract

Purpose Autistic adults use a variety of communication methods, including both speech and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC); however, there has been limited, if any, academic research in this area. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of speaking autistic adults who use AAC. Method Using a participatory research method, we completed an online survey that included five demographic questions and 29 open-ended questions related to communication choice, communication access, attitudes, and recommendations. Six autistic adults who use AAC participated. The data were analyzed with thematic analysis using an inductive approach at the semantic level. Results Participants reported identifying AAC as a communication choice as adults, after using speech during childhood. They described how forced communication choices have greatly impacted their lives, both historically and today, and reported on the successes they experience when communication autonomy is promoted within a supportive environment. Participants further described what impacts their in-the-moment decision making related to use of different communication methods. Finally, they discussed the importance of normalizing AAC use and disability in general and provided recommendations for other AAC users, families, and professionals. Conclusions Historically, AAC intervention was considered a “last resort” for children who did not develop functional speech. Speaking autistic adults encourage families, professionals, and society to promote and accept all communication as equal—ensuring opportunities for all children to develop full and rich communication without delay and without stigma.

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These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
37
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
3 / 37 (8.1%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
5 / 105 (4.8%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 5 / 23 (21.7%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 4 / 99 (4.0%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
23 / 105 (21.9%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 19 / 99 (19.2%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
18 / 23 (78.3%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 18 / 105 (17.1%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 15 / 19 (78.9%).
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