Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-5-2026
Abstract
Graphic symbol collections are often implemented in assessment and interventions with clients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The selection of the optimal collection is considered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) a challenging task. Since limited literature exists on the factors that guide this selection specifically for clients with ASD, this study aimed to explore those in detail, for which a qualitative design was followed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with SLPs who shared their views on the factors that affect this selection. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts took place. The outcomes showed that SLPs focus on multiple factors, grouped as SLP-related factors (e.g., training on collection(s) of graphic symbols), client-related factors (e.g., age), family-related factors (e.g., opinions on graphic symbol collections), factors related to graphic symbol collections (e.g., iconicity), practical factors (e.g., cost), and assessment/intervention factors. Assessment methods such as trial-error and dynamic assessment to assist with this selection were also reported. The findings revealed the need to support SLPs in optimal symbol collection selection through evidence-based practices, helping to ensure that symbol selection is tailored to the communication needs of students with ASD.
Recommended Citation
Hadjicharalambous, V., Fuller, D., & Pampoulou, E. (2026). Selection of graphic symbol collections by speech and language pathologists for students with autism spectrum disorder. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2026.2650280
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Publication Title
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
DOI
10.1080/07434618.2026.2650280
Comments
© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use,distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.