Interventions to facilitate communication in autism.

The purpose of this article is to discuss research opportunities arising from the current literature in the area of communication. Six general themes are discussed, including (a) increasing spontaneity, initiations, and the variety of functions of language verbal and nonverbal children with autism exhibit; (b) assessing and teaching precursors relating to positive outcome; (c) the importance of family involvement in intervention programs; (d) best practices for implementation of communicative interventions; (e) the interrelationship between language and other behavioral symptoms of autism; and (f) the social and pragmatic use of language. These areas are discussed in terms of improving assessment and intervention practices to produce greater long-term communicative outcomes for individuals with autism.