Up to 30% of autistic children experience significant verbal communication challenges, necessitating the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). While AAC tools support language development and social participation, access alone does not ensure successful outcomes. Aided language input and coaching interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving AAC adoption, yet communication partners often require systematic training. Additionally, sensory processing differences impact engagement with AAC tools, affecting attention, interaction, and language learning. This paper explores a sensory-informed coaching model that integrates AAC strategies with sensory considerations. Through case vignettes, it highlights interdisciplinary coaching approaches that improve AAC use by addressing sensory sensitivities and enhancing engagement. Findings emphasize the importance of structured coaching programs for parents, educators, and peers to support AAC learning across environments. A sensory-informed approach to AAC implementation can optimize communication outcomes for autistic children, reinforcing the need for professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration in assistive technology.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are frequently supported with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods. These methods are those that support speech when this is impaired or inadequate. During AAC intervention graphic symbols are often included. The selection of the optimal graphic symbol collection is considered as a challenging task for speech and language pathologists (SLPs) mainly due to their client’s preferences as well as the symbols’ iconicity. To this day, there are very limited studies focusing on graphic symbol preferences, especially of students with ASD, as well as studies comparing the effects of iconicity on the graphic symbol preferences. This study aims to evaluate the preferences of students with ASD, on three commonly selected graphic symbol collections used in Cyprus, as well as their perceptions on the iconicity of those collections; comparing them with typically developed peers. A preference tool and an iconicity tool developed by the researcher have been administered with the aim to gain quantitative data from the students. It is anticipated that the outcomes of this study will highlight the importance of considering the preferences and perceptions of students with ASD when selecting graphic symbol collections since those might differ from other populations.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is crucial for supporting the communication needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASC) within inclusive education settings. This study explores a collaborative approach to developing effective AAC interventions through action research involving key stakeholders – professionals, families, children, and teachers – in Cyprus's co-design and implementation process. The research identifies facilitators and barriers to integrating AAC into inclusive classrooms, highlighting the importance of teamwork and shared decision-making among stakeholders. Preliminary findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and active family involvement in successfully implementing AAC strategies. However, several challenges have emerged, including linguistic complexities related to the Greek language, stakeholder resistance, and limited assistive technology capacity among educators and professionals. These issues impact the accessibility, usability, and long-term sustainability of AAC solutions in educational settings. As data collection and analysis continue, this study aims to provide practical insights into effective AAC implementation, suggest strategies to overcome systemic barriers, and enhance stakeholder engagement. The findings contribute to the broader dialogue on inclusive education, assistive technology, and collaborative development of communication tools for children with ASC.

Snap-n-Tell is an innovative Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app integrating Visual Scene Display (VSD) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower individuals with speech disabilities. Unlike traditional grid-based AAC systems, Snap-n-Tell uses contextual photos and interactive points around elements in these photos referred to as "hotspots" to facilitate intuitive communication. Developed in collaboration with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), the app introduces features such as AI-driven automatic hotspot generation, "Easy Access Words" for quick, habitual communication, and "Transition-to-Literacy" to promote vocabulary learning through familiar contexts. A new feature named "Transition-to-Symbols" bridges users from VSD to grid-based systems, easing the adoption of pictograms when such individuals are cognitively ready to do so. Designed for Android, Snap-n-Tell addresses accessibility gaps, reduces caregiver setup time, and enhances user autonomy. Initial evaluations highlight its usability, effectiveness, and potential to improve communication for users with various cognitive and linguistic challenges. Snap-n-Tell exemplifies the synergy of AI and assistive technology in creating scalable, affordable, and impactful solutions for speech disabilities.

There are often many barriers that people with autism have to overcome, especially in the workplace. A key barrier to successful inclusion is communication. Assistive technology can help to overcome this barrier. The aim of a dissertation is to find out what assistive technology should look like and how it should function to support communication between people with and without autism spectrum disorder in a work context. To this end, qualitative interviews will be conducted and data collected using gamified cultural probes. This data will be used to determine what a suitable AT must look like physically or digitally and what functions it must have. It can be assumed that the use of social robotics and AI systems will play a role in this context. For the field of assistive technology, the research project is expected to provide valuable insights in the specific area of the study as well as a helpful basis for further studies in other contexts and with other target groups.