ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with a brief description of speech, language, and communication. A case study is then presented to illustrate a clinical model for communication assessment and intervention for individuals with developmental disability. Following the case study, we summarize key findings on language delay in people with mild/moderate and severe/profound disabilities. Communication intervention issues for individuals with developmental disabilities are then considered from a lifespan perspective. Provided are descriptions of effective methods for enhancing communication skills and practical guidelines for managing cases where clients are non-verbal or have very limited language skills. Reference will be made to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems that are commonly used with individuals who have developmental disabilities, including manual signs, voice-output communication aides (VOCAs), and the Picture-Exchange Communication System (PECS). The aim of this chapter is to provide clinicians with the necessary background knowledge to use these methods in practice and to offer guidance to psychologists in the role of training parents, teachers, and staff to enhance the communication skills of individuals with developmental disability, which encompasses intellectual and physical disabilities and/or autism-spectrum disorder.
