For children, adolescents, and adults with autism, AAC can have a tremendous positive impact on communication, social skills, and behavior. Now there's a comprehensive, up-to-date research volume that shows professionals what today's most effective AAC methods are--and why they're a perfect fit with a variety of learning approaches that work for people with autism.Pat Mirenda--a leading authority on AAC and autism--and Teresa Iacono partner with more than 30 other experts to give readers the most current, in-depth information on a wide range of AAC methods and technologies. Through clear and compelling examinations of the latest research studies, professionals supporting people with autism will discover how these evidence-based AAC interventions can be used topromote children's natural speech and language developmentexpand literacy skillsmodify challenging behaviorbuild young children's social interaction skillsencourage students' full membership and participation in inclusive classroomsgive children socially appropriate ways to express needs and preferencesreplace unconventional communicative acts with more conventional oneshelp adolescents and adults develop strong social networks within their communityReaders will also get clarification of the common characteristics of effective AAC interventions and insight into the future research required to make AAC technologies more meaningful and motivating.Essential for educators, SLPs, OTs, PTs, and other direct service providers, this new addition to the renowned Augmentative and Alternative Communication series will give readers a complete understanding of today's diverse AAC options--knowledge they'll use to help people with autism develop the communication and social skills they need to succeed.Help people with autism benefit fromspeech generating devicesvisual schedules and other types of visual supportspeer-mediated interventionsmanual signing and gesturesgraphic symbolswritten supportsand more Practically Speaking is part of the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Series.