Current Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Music Therapy: A Survey and Case Study

The researcher investigated the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in music therapy with individuals with developmental disabilities. Respondents (N = 42) were members of the American Music Therapy Association who indicated working with individuals who have developmental disabilities. Respondents reported their use of clients’ AAC devices in music therapy sessions. Results were gathered using an Internet based survey. Results indicated that a majority of music therapists working with clients who use AAC devices incorporate these devices into music therapy sessions in a variety of ways. The results implied that the greater amount of education regarding AAC devices the greater number of ways AAC devices are incorporated into music therapy sessions. A case study regarding implementation of music therapy sessions with a child who used AAC was included for the purpose of demonstrating possible methods of implementation and to gain perspective of the rewards and challenges with this inclusion of the client’s AAC device.