A Scoping Review of Interventions to Supplement Spoken Communication for Children with Limited Speech or Language Skills

摘要: Background Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is used for treating children with severe disorders of speech-language production and/or comprehension. Various strategies are used, but research debate on their efficacy have remained limited to a specific area rarely reached the general medical community. Objective To systematically evaluate outcomes AAC interventions in speech or language skills. Methods Searches were conducted (up December 2012) MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, DARE, Cochrane Library databases. Furthermore, relevant journals searched by hand. References from identified studies examined. Only RCTs considered. Trial quality was assessed according standardized validated set criteria. Results Fourteen 1661 retrieved papers met inclusion criteria. A total 666 included review 7 involved only <5 years old. Papers average all one had been published during previous 10 8 groups, 5 which United States. Seven directly addressed use different disabilities. enrolled typically developing children: evaluated technologies without disabilities order obtain results that could be improve peers disabilities, 2 peers’ attitudes towards who AAC. Both outcome measures varied widely between studies. Overall findings demonstrate effectiveness considered, focus alone appears too restrictive. Conclusions Solid evidence positive effects communication must generated, methods needed besides RCTs. Moreover, it important knowledge, research, extend community ensure clinically effective provision these (and parents).