Teaching Communication Skills to Students with Severe Disabilities

How can educators and therapists support effective communication for students with severe and multiple disabilities? Today's best research and strategies are in theNEW third editionof this trusted textbook and teaching guide. Current and future education professionals will getup-to-date information and practical guidance on the entire process of supporting communicationfor students of all ages, from assessing their communication skills to involving peers and adults in intervention. An important textbook and professional reference, this comprehensive volume will help educators, paraprofessionals, SLPs, and other school staff skillfully support every student's right to communicate.TOPICS COVERED:communication assessment * intervention strategies * identification of natural opportunities to teach skills * augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques * collaborative teaming * challenging behavior * Functional Communication Training * literacy instruction * peers as communication partners * teaching a wide range of skills that go beyond simple requesting, from commenting to gaining attentionWHAT'S NEW:More emphasis on technology throughout the bookTimely new contributions by experts in the fieldNew chapter on the relationship between communication and challenging behaviorNew chapter on communication and literacyMore on making AAC devices accessible and attainableExpanded guidance on friendship development and how peers can aid interventionMore strategies for teaching specific communication skills, highlighted for easy referenceNew case examples to show strategies and interventions in actionFAQs, extension activities, and study questions that highlight key ideas and trouble spots