Beyond behavior: a neurocognitive agenda for investigating the neural underpinnings of successful high-technology augmentative and alternative communication in adults
TL;DR
The TRANSCEND framework, a dual-route neurological model that begins with concept retrieval and leads to either verbal or AAC output, provides a foundation for future research that teases apart the neural underpinnings of motor, speech, and language aspects of AAC use.
Abstract
Purpose Research has shown that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has the potential to function not only as a compensatory communicative strategy, but also as a tool to facilitate language recovery for people with aphasia. However, much work remains in order to understand the brain changes associated with AAC-driven recovery. The purpose of this article is to highlight the need for neurological research on high-technology AAC use, and to advance that research agenda by proposing the Transformation of Representation Across Neurocognitive Systems for Concept to External Navigation and Display (TRANSCEND) framework, a testable model of language production for people with aphasia who use AAC. We also argue for fNIRS as a promising neuroimaging tool that offers the advantage of allowing ecologically valid AAC use during experimental tasks. Conclusion The TRANSCEND framework, a dual-route neurological model that begins with concept retrieval and leads to either verbal or AAC output, provides a foundation for future research that teases apart the neural underpinnings of motor, speech, and language aspects of AAC use.