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Meaningful Exchanges for People With Autism: An Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Topics in Autism)

Cafiero JM. Bethesda, MD 20817, Woodbine House, 2005, paperback, 174 pp, illus, ISBN: 1-890627-44-5, $17.95.

Although the book was written specifically to address the needs of children with autism, the general concepts are applicable to a much broader range of children with disabilities.

The first few chapters address the importance of interactive communication for people with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD); how AAC can assist with their communication needs; and descriptions of various AAC tools, devices, and strategies. A full chapter is devoted to the evaluation of a child for an AAC intervention and provides a very practical overview. The author addresses general guidelines for assessment and also provides a summary of 3 specific assessment tools and strategies. Another chapter provides an overview of federal legislation that has had an impact on the provision of AAC devices and services as well as sources of funding. The book concludes with a short chapter summarizing 14 key concepts related to AAC for people with ASD and future projections.

The book is a practical introduction to the topic, not a reference on the evidence supporting the use of AAC devices. References are included, but are not consistently appended to statements that would be strengthened by their inclusion. In a couple of instances, the reference included is not the most recent one possible. For example, the definition of assistive technology devices and services is from the Tech Act of 1988 when a similar definition can be found in the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004).

The book is practical and easy to read and is a valuable resource for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are involved with children who have ASD or even other disabilities.

Karen Yundt Lunnen, PT, EdD

Western Carolina Universitym
Cullowhee, NC
Lunnen teaches the pediatric content in a professional (entry-level) physical therapy program, and participates with an interdisciplinary faculty team to evaluate individuals for AAC devices. She also participates in 2 federal grants whose purpose is to prepare special education teachers and speech-and-language pathologists to work with students who have severe or profound disabilities

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Rapid Responses are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Lunnen, K. Y. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Lunnen, K. Y.