Methodological advances, opportunities, and challenges in AAC research

AbstractSince its inception in 1985, the AAC journal has been publishing scientific articles related to the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that (a) report research concerning assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and education of people who use or have the potential to use AAC systems and (b) cover theory, technology, and systems development relevant to AAC. The journal has maintained a consistent focus on the science and practice of AAC while also advancing in varied and impressive ways. Among the many developments apparent in AAC over the years, methodological advancements emerge as pivotal within the evolution of the science of AAC. This report examines the state of the science in behavioral AAC research with specific regard to changes and opportunities in research methodology. Illustrations from articles published in Volume 1 (1985) and Volume 32 (2016) of AAC are used in this paper to frame commentary on (a) contextual consideration in conducting AAC research, (b) types of...