Expressive communication of children with autism.

Expressive communication of Australian and Taiwanese children with autism who had limited spoken language was observed in naturalistic settings. Communicative forms, functions, and partners were investigated. No significant differences existed in the characteristics of expressive communication between children with speech and those without speech. No significant differences existed in characteristics of expressive communication between children who used aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and those who did not use aided AAC. Children with autism who were observed at regular schools communicated with their peers more often than did those who were observed at special schools.