The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an AAC program in the communication behavior of families who have children with autism. The program named ProCAAF, was implemented based on the family's actual needs in establishing effective communication with their children, according to the needs present in the family context. There were 6 participants in this study: 3 parents (Pfs), representing mothers and their 3 children who were called student participants (Pas), representing students diagnosed with autism with no verbal communication or functional speech. A multiple probe design across parents and their children was employed. The quantitative data was analyzed through the mother's performance in the use of AAC with their son/daughter in view of the level of support offered by the researcher. The results suggested that the parents learned how to apply AAC in the family context and achieved previously determined communication priorities. A qualitative analysis of the answers from a questionnaire applied pre and post intervention period indicated significant changes in relation to communication ability of the participants with autism. The implementation of this program in other contexts is recommended.
Special Education; Autism; Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Family Education; Language Disorders
