Growing up with AAC in the digital age: a longitudinal profile of communication across contexts from toddler to teen

Smart technology (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, tablets) and the age of information have transformed our society and changed the lives of individuals who rely on assistive technology. This study provides a detailed description of an adolescent growing up in the digital age using augmentative and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Augmentative and alternative communication 2020-06, Vol.36 (2), p.128-141
Main Authors: King, Marika, Romski, MaryAnn, Sevcik, Rose A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Augmentative and alternative communication
Cognitive development
Communicative competence
Computer mediated communication
Internet
Language thought relationship
Longitudinal studies
Toddlers
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Summary:Smart technology (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, tablets) and the age of information have transformed our society and changed the lives of individuals who rely on assistive technology. This study provides a detailed description of an adolescent growing up in the digital age using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It documents the participant’s development across language, cognitive, and social domains from ages 2- to 15-years-old, and explores how changes in AAC technology and contextual factors contributed to broad-based outcomes associated with AAC use. In general, results from standardized assessments show growth or stability across domains from ages 2–15. Data from a parent interview provides a narrative description of AAC device use, AAC interventions, and school and family environments. Despite communicative challenges, the participant leveraged advances in AAC technology to develop communicative competence and creatively used his smart devices and the Internet to interact with friends both online and in person.
ISSN:0743-4618
1477-3848
DOI:10.1080/07434618.2020.1782988