The 2008 Augmentative Communication in Practice: Scotland Study Day focused on Augmentative Communication and Autism: Theory and Practice.
Pictures and symbols are often used to create a visual environment for people with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and communication difficulties. Sometimes these are extended into low tech symbol communication systems, for self-expression. Some people with ASD have benefited from the use of an electronic communication aid to help them express themselves, but sometimes technology is not successful. This Study Day focused on some of the issues that surround the use of AAC with people with ASD.
The morning session featured a presentation entitled “AAC in ASD: Fit for Purpose?” by London specialists Helen Cockerill and Vicky Slonims. It was followed by a presentation on “PECS and Beyond - Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication in a School Environment” by Kirsty Donaldson and Christine Hobden from Prospectbank School in Edinburgh. In the afternoon, case stories on the experiences of young people and adults with ASD who have used augmentative communication were presented by Wilma Armstrong (SCTCI), Mary Gilhooley (Lynebank Hospital) and Colin Graham (Scottish Society for Autism). The day concluded with a panel discussion with audience participation.
AAC and Autism
