Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Individuals with Rett Syndrome Part 1: Page-Linking.

Although the last decade has welcomed evidence that individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) can communicate using alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), less is known about effective procedures for teaching various component skills required for expressive communication of individuals with complex communication needs. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of systematic individualized instruction procedures on the page-linking skills of individuals with RTT. A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate independent and accurate responding utilizing both a high-tech and low-tech AAC device for three participants.

Teaching Requesting to Individuals with Rett Syndrome Using Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) Through Caregiver Coaching via Telehealth.

Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that results in both motor and language skill regression with a wide range of severity in symptom presentation. Communication intervention may be particularly challenging for this population due to the decline in speech, motor skills, and motor planning difficulties that characterize the disorder (Townend et al., 2020), often resulting in the need for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology.

Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication by Individuals with Rett Syndrome Part 2: High-Tech and Low-Tech Modalities.

The vast majority of individuals with Rett syndrome do not utilize natural speech and therefore require alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). The purpose of the current study was to investigate the use of high- and low-tech AAC modalities by three individuals with Rett syndrome given similar instruction for using both modalities. For all participants, the number of sessions to criterion and cumulative number of trials with independent requests during simultaneous or alternating instruction in the use of a high- and low-tech AAC modality were investigated.

Caregiver Training Via Telehealth on Behavioral Procedures: A Systematic Review.

Telehealth has been utilized to provide behavioral services to families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities. This systematic review provides an update on current research pertaining to the use of telehealth to provide behavior analytic-based services and train caregivers in implementing behavioral procedures. This review also describes information on reported training components and caregivers' procedural fidelity.