Demographics of preschoolers who require AAC

Purpose: The purpose of the investigation was to gather demographic information pertaining to preschoolers who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Method: To obtain this information, a survey was developed and then distributed to preschool speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Pennsylvania. Results: Results indicated that approximately 12% of preschoolers receiving special education services required AAC. These children came from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, had a wide variety of disabilities, used a range of AAC systems, and required services frown a wide range of educational professionals. Implications: The findings indicate the pressing need for all preschool SLPs to be prepared to provide services for children who require AAC.