The authoritative text on augmentative and alternative communication, this classic bestseller is now in its fifth edition-revised and updated for a new generation of SLPs, teachers, occupational therapists, and other professionals in clinical and educational settings. Partnering with a team of distinguished contributors, renowned experts David Beukelman and Janice Light deliver today's most comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to AAC interventions and technologies for children and adults with complex communication needs. Future service providers will get in-depth coverage of essential AAC topics, enhanced by helpful study questions, valuable perspectives from people who use AAC, and case examples that illustrate key principles. Significantly expanded with new chapters on critical topics, more practical information on how AAC systems work, and new online companion materials, this definitive text will expertly prepare readers to support communicative competence-and quality of life-for children and adults with complex communication needs. WHAT'S NEW Professionals will prepare for their work in the field with critical new information on: Collaborating with family members and other communication partners Making the most of mobile technologies and AAC apps Selecting an AAC system and tailoring it to individual needs Working effectively with families from diverse cultural backgrounds Supporting inclusion across the lifespan (including education, employment, and community life) Ensuring efficient patient-provider communication in medical settings Providing communication supports to people with autism spectrum disorder PLUS: Enhance your teaching with a package of online companion materials, including a resource guide to help practitioners and students learn more about AAC; sample responses to chapter study questions; and a sample syllabus.

While the written word is an important means of communication among people, the technological revolution has increased the demands on mental processes involved in the processing of written information, which endangers the quality of life of people who have reading difficulties and are not completely functionally literate. Educational technologies have vastly improved in past decades, especially in the realm of aiding individuals with development and learning disorders. With these learning technologies becoming more mainstream, individuals struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy in everyday life now have a chance to overcome various barriers. Dyslexia and Accessibility in the Modern Era: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research on a literacy portal that offers the virtual background for the support and strengthening of reading skills and for leading the user while using the internet. The book also creates a tool based on user feedback with instructions on how to adapt current tools to meet the accessibility requirements for people with dyslexia. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as e-learning, lifelong learning, and neurodevelopment disabilities, this book is ideally designed for teachers, software developers, academics, researchers, students, and learning professionals.

The perfect picture book celebrating all children with a message of kindness and friendship. I might not like gritty sand or scratchy labels, busy places or messy tables, but with ... a quiet walk ... a gentle smile ... and some time alone for a little while ... I can be amazingly me - just like you. In this first children's book from autism ambassador, Christine McGuinness shows just how important it is to embrace diversity and inclusivity while highlighting just how much it means to accept one another, just as we are with all the uniqueness that makes us special. Recently diagnosed with autism along with her three children, Christine's message to parents and carers to help them talk with their children about neurodiversity is the perfect way to introduce the subject to any child. This picture book for 3+ emphasises the importance of empathy and kindness Vibrant art from Hannah Jayne Lewin communicates a positive message A strong message that will resonate with all children.

Providing all students, particularly those with learning disabilities, with the skills necessary to succeed in school and, by extension, the real world is vital in today's educational landscape. Due to this need, innovative language and literacy tools have been developed to support these students in their learning endeavors and ensure they are receiving the best education possible. Cutting-Edge Language and Literacy Tools for Students on the Autism Spectrum covers the root causes of the language and learning challenges in autism, their consequences for language acquisition and literacy, and a variety of tools and strategies for addressing them, from teaching technologies to assistive technologies. Drawing on what the most current evidence shows about the nature of autism and which therapies and technologies are most successful, the book reviews the efficacy of existing language therapies, literacy strategies, and assistive technologies. Covering topics such as speech deficits, language learning, comprehension, and assistive communication tools, this reference work is ideal for clinicians, behavioral specialists, speech-language pathologists, special educators, researchers, academicians, practitioners, scholars, educators, and students.

This book is designed to be a valuable resource for all educators who seek to gain a better understanding of learning disabilities, effective classroom practices, and meeting the instructional, emotional, and social needs of struggling students. Educators will benefit from the extensive research provided in the book and they will gain a thorough understanding of the importance of creating, supporting, and maintaining valuable interventions and how to do so effectively.

This book is designed to be a valuable resource for all educators who seek to gain a better understanding of learning disabilities, effective classroom practices, and meeting the instructional, emotional, and social needs of struggling students. Educators will benefit from the extensive research provided in the book and they will gain a thorough understanding of the importance of creating, supporting, and maintaining valuable interventions and how to do so effectively.