Communication

COMMUNICATION AND AUTISM

Communication is an essential life skill and is a primary area of focus when supporting students with autism. All people have the right to meaningful interactions, which includes access to necessary instruction, strategies, and tools to communicate effectively.

ACE has developed resources for educators and families to support diverse communication styles, helping autistic people express their thoughts and ideas and to build authentic connections.

The Communication Bill of Rights provides a clear, visual framework to help educators and families support every individual's right to be heard, inclusive of all communication modalities.

Communication bill of rights
Communication compass
The Communication Compass provides a deep dive into eight topics to support language development. Each includes a definition and examples that illustrate its role in supporting self-determination.

Also included are two sample teaching/practice activities, called "Anchor Skills." These are step-by-step guides to get you started and provide ideas for extending these skills into other activities and settings.
Communication Compass PDF

Alternative and Augmentative Communication Resources

Explore our collection of evidence-based tools designed to improve communication instruction for autistic students. These resources provide practical strategies for implementing AAC, from understanding core competencies and prompting strategies to adopting the "4 Ps" of effective communication systems and support.

*The 4 Ps of AAC - Parent Edition in Spanish

Featured ACE Resources

Factsheet: Building Communication Skills in Children with Autism

Factsheet: Introduction to Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Assessment: Communication Inventory for Emergent Language Learners

Microlearning: Early Childhood Communication Toolkit

Webcast: Use Your Words! An Introduction to Everyday AAC

Webcast: Immersion, Not Coercion: Supporting Communication in Early Childhood

Learning Path: Communication

Learning Path: Social Skills

Course: Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Course: Evidence-Based Practices to Teach Students with ASD

Additional Resources

Virginia

Virginia Department of Education's Assistive Technology Network

Regional Training and Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC)

National

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

US Society for AAC