A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Face-to-Face Versus Remote Delivery of Low-Tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Nonspeaking Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Thirty percent of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not develop spoken language. To provide a means of communication for this subset of the population, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems are often utilized. Low-tech options have traditionally been delivered through the in-person modality. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to service delivery models have been required. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in order to assess the efficacy of low-tech AAC delivered face-to-face versus remotely on communication outcomes in nonspeaking children with ASD.