Teaching Communication Skills to Students with Severe Disabilities / June E. Downing Ph.D., Amy Hanreddy Ph.D., Kathryn D. Peckham-Hardin Ph.D.

How can educators and therapists support effective communication for students with severe and multiple disabilities? Today's best research and strategies are in the NEW third edition of this trusted textbook and teaching guide. Current and future education professionals will get up-to-date information and practical guidance on the entire process of supporting communication for students of all ages, from assessing their communication skills to involving peers and adults in intervention. An important textbook and professional reference, this comprehensive volume will help educators, paraprofessionals, SLPs, and other school staff skillfully support every student's right to communicate.

TOPICS COVERED: communication assessment * intervention strategies * identification of natural opportunities to teach skills * augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques * collaborative teaming * challenging behavior * Functional Communication Training * literacy instruction * peers as communication partners * teaching a wide range of skills that go beyond simple requesting, from commenting to gaining attention

WHAT'S NEW:

• More emphasis on technology throughout the book
• Timely new contributions by experts in the field
• New chapter on the relationship between communication and challenging behavior
• New chapter on communication and literacy
• More on making AAC devices accessible and attainable
• Expanded guidance on friendship development and how peers can aid intervention
• More strategies for teaching specific communication skills, highlighted for easy reference
• New case examples to show strategies and interventions in action
• FAQs, extension activities, and study questions that highlight key ideas and trouble spots