A Review of Naturalistic Communication Training Strategies for Persons with Severe Handicaps: Implications for the Development of Spontaneity

Abstract

This paper considers the nature of communicative spontaneity and examines current communication teaching strategies. Contemporary thinking on the nature of spontaneity is examined and its relation to stimulus control and generalisation is discussed. The possible mechanisms by which communication training strategies could induce transfer of stimulus control and assist in the development of spontaneous responding are then considered. Current naturalistic communication training strategies are briefly overviewed and examined in relation to efficacy research and their potential to induce transfer of stimulus control and communicative spontaneity. A taxonomy of communicative cues and prompts is then proposed. Areas for further research are identified