Visual-perceptual features of augmentative and alternative communication displays affect efficiency of motor reaching by individuals with Down syndrome: a pilot study

Individuals with Down syndrome often have speech and language impairments that interfere with their ability to use speech to meet their full range of communication needs. Visual communication supports in the form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are often a solution for individuals who require support to their own natural speech, including those with Down syndrome. Messages are produced via touch or reach to communication symbols presented on these AAC displays. While a line of past research has detailed the influence of AAC display design on the efficiency with which individuals with and without disabilities can find target symbols within an array, few studies have examined how different AAC displays might influence touch/reaching. Yet critical clinical implications arise if display design is resulting in inefficient (and fatiguing) motor/reaching behavior. This pilot study evaluated how visual-perceptual characteristics of AAC displays affected the efficiency and quality of reaches by six individuals with Down syndrome and six individuals without disabilities matched on age, gender, and hand preference.