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Rationale:

Explanation for choosing this topic

The research topic that will be investigated is on augmentative alternative communication (AAC) devices, an assistive technology, and how this sort of device can aid the autistic population. This topic was chosen because the writer has firsthand knowledge of this type of technology being used on a child when volunteering at a hospital. This paper will look into the different types of AAC devices, their intended purpose and the effectiveness of these devices on the autistic population

Main Research Question and three sub questions & paper basic organization.

The main question this research paper will investigate: “Are AAC devices effective in teaching autistic children to communicate?” To support this research topic/ question, the following sub-questions will be considered:

1. What are AAC devices? How are AAC devices classified?

2. What is the intended purpose of these devices i.e. the theory behind the practice? How reliable are these devices?

3. How accessible are the devices to the autistic population i.e. home, school, workplace? Similarly, this paper will also look at disagreements from other professionals, specifically Occupational therapists and Speech pathologists on the effectiveness of AAC devices as a mode of communication.

Presently, the organization of the paper is not finalized, but the paper might begin by giving a brief history of this new technology, augmentative alternative communication devices. Secondly, the paper will give a brief definition of AAC then, it will discuss the types of AAC devices. Thirdly, the paper will attempt to illustrate what AAC devices do and how effective are they in facilitating communication in autistic children. This will allow the reader to have a true understanding of AAC devices and the usefulness of this technology in the disabled population.

Research Strategy

To answer these questions, articles from journals such as. The Journal of American Speech-Language Pathology and Journal of Special Education will be used. To date, book sources have not been found. Further research will hopefully find more sources that focus on AAC devices and how they assist the autistic population in communicating. An interesting article in the journal Paediatrics and Child Health by Clarke and Price (2012) may prove quite helpful. See http://bit.ly/1wzC1Gw Further research will be done at the NYC Mid-Manhattan Library. Will look for more specialized libraries in the area for detailes sources. Plan to meet with a York reference librarian for further ideas.