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Assistive Technology to Support Communication in Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

  • Communication Disorders (J Sigafoos, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper summarizes a number of studies using communication technology with people with neurodevelopmental disorders to (a) provide illustrative examples of the technology solutions available, (b) examine the communication skills addressed and the results obtained, and (c) discuss the affordability and accessibility of the technology solutions used.

Recent Findings

Most studies used basic speech-generating devices to support requesting behavior. Research has also focused on (a) use of more advanced speech-generating devices for supporting communication across different daily settings, (b) computer systems for supporting communication via text messages or telephone calls, and (c) smartphones and tablets for supporting people in making telephone calls or exchanging messages as well as in accessing leisure materials.

Summary

Multiple technology solutions are available to support different forms of communication in people with neurodevelopmental disorders. The technologies that have been studied vary based on the communication skills targeted and on the participants’ functioning level and response repertoire. The technologies also vary based on developments occurring in the commercial area.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Corso Italia 23, 70121, Bari, Italy

    Giulio E. Lancioni

  2. Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA

    Nirbhay N. Singh

  3. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA

    Mark F. O’Reilly

  4. Lega F. D’Oro Research Center, Osimo, Italy

    Gloria Alberti

Authors
  1. Giulio E. Lancioni
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  2. Nirbhay N. Singh
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  3. Mark F. O’Reilly
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  4. Gloria Alberti
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Correspondence to Giulio E. Lancioni.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Communication Disorders

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Lancioni, G.E., Singh, N.N., O’Reilly, M.F. et al. Assistive Technology to Support Communication in Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Curr Dev Disord Rep 6, 126–130 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-019-00165-x

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