The communication of adults with severe intellectual disability is difficult to
characterize. The literature suggests their skills fall into stages of pre-symbolic to
symbolic or even basic linguistic skills. Recent research, however, suggests a more
complex picture of combining pre-symbolic and symbolic forms used within strategies
that vary according to social relationships. In this chapter, the communication
characteristics of people with severe intellectual disabilities are explored according to
the research literature, with a focus on social interaction processes that value the
person’s extant skills. With this literature as a background, the use of AAC to enhance
inclusion of people with severe intellectual disability, and in particular adults with
Angelman Syndrome, across settings, such as community, home and day service, and
work will be explored.
Keywords: AAC, Adults, Alternative communication, Angelman Syndrome,
Assessment, Augmentative, Day services, Disability, Intellectual disability,
Intervention, Post-school, Social inclusion, Social relationships, Supported
accommodation, Transition.
