Offers a review of current knowledge in the field of functional assessment of behavior, and discusses the use of such data in designing behavioral support programs. Illustrative examples of strategies for the use of communication training to alter problem behavior are given, including points of controversy and areas where further work is needed. Of interest to speech-language pathologists, psychologists, educators, researchers and graduate students in these fields. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Children and adolescents with moderate and severe disabilities often have communication challenges that lead them to use problem behavior to convey their desires. This is the most comprehensive contemporary volume on functional communication training (FCT)--the individualized instructional approach that teaches a child socially acceptable communicative alternatives to aggression, tantrums, self-injury, and other unconventional behaviors. The expert authors provide accessible, empirically based guidelines for implementing FCT, and tips for overcoming obstacles. Grounded in the principles of applied behavior analysis, the book includes detailed strategies for developing a support plan, together with illustrative case examples. ÿ

A definitive textbook for students in speech-language pathology, audiology, and communication sciences and disorders, Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication offers students an introduction to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and prepares them for working with clients with complex communication needs. Editors Drs. Donald R. Fuller and Lyle L. Lloyd and their contributors provide a foundation for the development of assessment and intervention procedures and practices within the framework of the communication model and its major components: the means to represent, the means to select, and the means to transmit. Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication consists of five major units: An introduction to AAC, from its history to current practice An overview of AAC symbols and a comprehensive discussion of aided and unaided symbols A review of AAC technology The components of AAC assessment: principles, vocabulary, symbol selection, and the prescription of AAC technology AAC intervention: everything from the components of the intervention process to examples from specific cases and settings Included with the text are online supplemental materials for faculty use in the classroom. Students and professionals looking for a foundational textbook in the field of AAC will find Principles and Practices in Augmentative and Alternative Communication to be effective, contemporary, and practical.

"This interdisciplinary book critically examines the research on the effectiveness of communication interventions for individuals with severe disabilities. This volume provides the reader with a synthesis of the complex issues related to communication intervention and severe disabilities"--

Problem behaviors often compound the already difficult task of improving the lives of persons with severe disabilities. This important volume, representing the culmination of more than a decade of clinical research, presents the first complete description of the procedures used in Functional Communication Training--a positive approach for reducing severe behavior problems. The procedures described in this book have been validated by numerous empirical studies for use with children, adolescents, and adults who display behaviors as diverse as aggression, self-injury, tantrums, and bizarre, psychotic speech. Functional Communication Training involves teaching students how to communicate those basic wants and needs that they have previously sought to have fulfilled via their problem behavior. They are taught to replace their challenging behavior with learned communication skills. This book provides the practitioner with step-by-step instructions for implementing this effective approach. A variety of assessment strategies are reviewed and described to assist in determining appropriate interventions. The Motivation Assessment Scale--one device designed to assess the function of problem behavior--is outlined in detail and is accompanied with guidelines for its administration and interpretation. Communication training is then detailed and illustrated using speech, sign language, and augmentative systems as examples. Numerous case examples throughout illuminate both the assessment and intervention strategies. Providing clear direction for ameliorating complex behavior problems, this book will be valued by psychologists, behavior analysts, special educators, and speech and language therapists. It can be used as a text for advanced undergraduate courses on behavior management in psychology and special education, and also serves as supplementary reading for courses on behavior modification or mental retardation/developmental disabilities.

Children and adolescents with moderate and severe disabilities often have communication challenges that lead them to use problem behavior to convey their desires. This is the most comprehensive contemporary volume on functional communication training (FCT)--the individualized instructional approach that teaches a child socially acceptable communicative alternatives to aggression, tantrums, self-injury, and other unconventional behaviors. The expert authors provide accessible, empirically based guidelines for implementing FCT, and tips for overcoming obstacles. Grounded in the principles of applied behavior analysis, the book includes detailed strategies for developing a support plan, together with illustrative case examples.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Models and Applications, Second Edition describes augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) comprehensively and offers a framework for understanding how AAC intervention can be used in the process of communication. This textbook is intended to serve as the primary text for graduate-level courses in augmentative and alternative communication in speech-language pathology programs. It also serves as an essential resource for practicing clinicians. AAC is used by an ever-growing group of individuals of all ages, each with their own personal and communication needs. The book presents the various AAC interventions and teaches the prospective clinician which intervention may be effective depending on the needs, condition, and prognosis of the client. The text details how communication is shaped by internal and external factors and how communication affects social functioning. New to the Second Edition: * A revised introductory chapter reflecting recent changes in the field * Thoroughly updated chapters on technology, vocabulary, and assessment * Reorganization of the chapters for a more natural flow of information * New and revised artwork throughout including images, tables, and charts * New and expanded case studies covering different types of communicators, their needs, and AAC solutions Expanded coverage on the following topics: * The debate on core vocabulary and discussion of best practices * Perspectives and views from AAC users * Ethics in AAC service delivery * Research issues