Main description:

People who have both autism spectrum disorder and complex communication needs require specialized, multidisciplinary interventions and supports to boost their independence and quality of life. Find up-to-date, evidence-supported information and strategies in this book, an important addition to the respected Augmentative and Alternative Communication series.

This essential resource brings together more than 30 internationally recognized researchers from three important disciplines: augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), special education, and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Practitioners and clinicians will discover how to combine key interventions from these disciplines to make positive differences in the lives of the people they work with. They'll get research-based guidance on

* Using evidence-based teaching methods with learners of all ages
* Conducting effective assessment and linking results with intervention planning
* Selecting high-tech and low-tech AAC options that meet individual needs
* Bringing about lasting changes to behavior with functional communication training
* Evaluating specific interventions that target social communication
* Implementing parent- and peer-mediated interventions
* Using customized visual and environmental supports in a variety of settings

With this meticulously researched guide to today's best strategies and supports, readers will have the information they need to improve outcomes for people with autism and complex communication needs.

Contents:

Series Preface
Series Editors and Editorial Advisory Board
About the Editors
About the Contributors
Volume Preface
Acknowledgments

Part I: Overview

Chapter 1 Characteristics of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Have Complex Communication Needs
Richard L. Simpson

Chapter 2 Autism-Focused Assessment and Program Planning
Cynthia A. Riccio and Christopher S. Prickett

Part II: Overview of Evidence-Based Practices for Implementation with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs

Chapter 3 Overview of Evidence-Based Practices for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Jennifer B. Ganz, Ee Rea Hong, & Ching-Yi Liao

Chapter 4 Overview of AAC for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex
Communication Needs
Pat Mirenda

Chapter 5 Considerations in Implementing Aided Low-Tech AAC Systems for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Joe Reichle, Jessica Simacek, & Quannah Parker-McGowan

Chapter 6 High-Tech Aided AAC for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Jessica G. Caron & Christine Holyfield

Chapter 7 Functional Communication Training for Durable Behavior Change
Jennifer McComas, David Wacker, Kelly Schieltz, Jessica Simacek, & Wendy K. Berg

Part III: Evidence-Based Practices to Address Communication

Chapter 8 Effective Strategies for Working with Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Ilene S. Schwartz, Ariane Gauvreau, & Katy Bateman
Chapter 9 Evidence-Based Methods for Teaching School-Aged Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Billy T. Ogletree, Amy Rose, & Georgia Hambrecht

Chapter 10 Evidence-Based Practices for Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Erik W. Carter & Elizabeth E. Biggs

Part IV: Evidence-Based Practices Implemented in Natural Contexts

Chapter 11 Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Kyle Sterrett & Connie Kasari

Chapter 12 Parent- and Peer-Mediated Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Rose Mason & Stephanie Gerow

Chapter 13 Visual and Environmental Supports for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Complex Communication Needs
Joanne M. Cafiero & Tabitha Jones-Wohleber

Chapter 14 Conclusions and Future Research Directions
Jennifer B. Ganz & Richard L. Simpson
Index