Research: Post-School Quality of Life for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Who Use AAC

Authored by Hamm, B., and Mirenda P. in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Volume 22, Issue 2, p. 134-147, (2006).

Article summary (posted Oct 15, 2006):

This study describes the difficulties that occur when students transition from school to adult life.

The authors investigate the experiences and achievements of eight individuals with complex communication needs (including two with autism) after they left school. All participants lived in British Columbia, Canada. The study found that students who received augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions in school were generally unable to maintain their communication competence after school. The authors argued that there is a strong need for quality post-school services and supports for individual with disabilities. In addition, the authors suggest that transition planning should begin long before a student leaves school.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
adults with autism, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), autism, communication, developmental disabilities, home, quality of life (QOL), school, student, transition
Share |