Published: 2025-08-27

Assigning Communicative Meanings to the Behaviors of Young Children on the Autism Spectrum Disorders in Light of the Theoretical Assumptions of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Magdalena Kowalska
Pedagogical Forum
Section: Topic
https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2025.1.6

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to focus on the theoretical underpinnings of assigning communicative meanings to the behaviors of children on the autism spectrum disorders in the context of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Due to difficulties in language and communication development, children with autism spectrum disorders may not acquire traditional forms of communication, which raises the need to introduce alternative methods for effective communication with the social environment. The article presents a strategy for treating the non-speaking behavior of children with autism as communications. It becomes important to try to read the communications behind children's behaviors rather than just stopping at just noticing and following the behaviors. This approach to the subject is important from the point of view of the child's cognitive, linguistic, emotional and social development. Moreover, it provides a solid base for building further linguistic competence and introducing a personalized communication tool.

Keywords:

children on the autism spectrum disorders, assigning communicative meanings to behaviors, augmentative and alternative communication

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Citation rules

Kowalska, M. (2025). Assigning Communicative Meanings to the Behaviors of Young Children on the Autism Spectrum Disorders in Light of the Theoretical Assumptions of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Pedagogical Forum, 15(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.21697/fp.2025.1.6

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