Low-Tech AAC for Autism
(AAC Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Many people with autism and other developmental conditions have difficulty speaking or do not use speech and need other ways to communicate. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) includes tools such as picture boards, communication books, and gestures that support communication. In low-resource settings and underserved rural areas in the United States, high-tech AAC devices are often too expensive or difficult to access, and trained specialists are limited.
Low-tech AAC options are more affordable but are often not used successfully because tools may not match the individual's abilities or daily environment, caregivers and providers may lack training, and stigma or low awareness may discourage use. These challenges can lead to AAC abandonment and social isolation.
Rural Virginia and western Kenya face similar barriers, including limited AAC expertise, inconsistent assessment, and insufficient training for families, educators, and community providers. This project uses a shared learning approach that combines western Kenya's experience implementing low-tech AAC in new settings with rural Virginia's expertise in individualized assessment, training, and scalable service delivery. The goal is to better match individuals to appropriate low-tech AAC systems and support communication partners to use them effectively.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Eren Oyungu, MBChB
Principal Investigator
Moi University
Megan S. McHenry, MD
Principal Investigator
Indiana University
Mandy Rispoli, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Virginia
Jim Solan, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Virginia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for caregivers, parents, teachers, or aides (age 18+) who are the main communication partners of children aged 3–14 years with autism or similar developmental conditions. The child must have little or no speech and a formal diagnosis. Participants need to speak English (U.S.) or English/Swahili (Kenya).Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive either an automated AAC training toolkit or standard AAC support
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for sustainability of AAC implementation and AAC system retention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Automated AAC Assessment and Low-Tech AAC Implementation Support
- Standard AAC Support
Trial Overview
The study compares standard support for using low-tech AAC tools like picture boards with an enhanced program that includes automated assessments and extra help in choosing and using these tools. It aims to improve how well families use affordable communication aids.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Communication partners receive access to an automated AAC system-matching assessment and an automated training toolkit designed to support implementation of personalized low-tech AAC strategies in daily routines.
Communication partners receive standard of care, defined as usual AAC referral pathways and locally available AAC training resources.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
Moi Univeristy
Collaborator
University of Virginia
Collaborator
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