%0 Journal Article
%T Enhancing Peer Network Interventions for Students With Complex Communication Needs
%A Elizabeth E. Biggs
%A Erica L. Mazur
%A Erik W. Carter
%A Jennifer L. Bumble
%A Kelli Barnes
%J Exceptional Children
%@ 2163-5560
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/0014402918792899
%X Educators need effective ways to build the communication skills of students learning to use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and support their interactions with peers. This study used a multiple-probe-across-participants design to evaluate the effectiveness of a paraprofessional-facilitated peer network intervention to (a) increase peer interaction for students with complex communication needs and (b) investigate whether embedding peer-implemented aided AAC modeling within the intervention would increase students¡¯ use of symbolic communication (i.e., aided AAC, signs, speech). Participants were four elementary-age students with intellectual disability or autism who used a speech-generating device or communication book. The peer network increased students¡¯ overall interactions with peers but not their symbolic communication. Teaching peers to use aided AAC modeling through brief training and coaching resulted in increasing students¡¯ use of symbolic communication within interactions with peers. Implications are offered related to supporting peer interaction, improving symbolic communication skills, and involving peers in social-communication interventions
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0014402918792899