Fostering Communication Skills in Beginning Communicators

Author(s): Jeff Sigafoos, Vanessa A. Green, Robert Didden, Mark F. O`Reilly, Giulio E. Lancioni and Peter B. Marschik

Pp: 131-163 (33)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

This chapter aims to describe communication assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) who are at the beginning stages of communication development. The chapter begins with a description of beginning communicators. This is followed by an overview of research that has investigated the forms and functions of pre-symbolic behavior (i.e., beginning communication skills) among individuals with AS. Assessment procedures for identifying pre-symbolic forms and functions are outlined. The final section describes intervention approaches for enhancing the effectiveness of pre-symbolic behavior and fostering the transition from pre-symbolic to symbolic communication.

Keywords: Angelman syndrome, Augmentative and alternative communication, Beginning communicators, Enhancement approach, Interpretive approach, Presymbolic communication, Replacement approach.

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