Fostering inclusion in clinical and research procedures in autistic youth through augmentative and alternative communication: a narrative review and a proposal for visual aids application in brain stimulation - Summary - MDSpire

Fostering inclusion in clinical and research procedures in autistic youth through augmentative and alternative communication: a narrative review and a proposal for visual aids application in brain stimulation

  • By

  • Sara Passarini

  • Fabio Quarin

  • Giulia Lazzaro

  • Floriana Costanzo

  • Andrea Battisti

  • Giovanni Valeri

  • Silvia Guerrera

  • Laura Casula

  • Deny Menghini

  • Sabine Pirchio

  • Stefano Vicari

  • Elisa Fucà

  • July 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To synthesize the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to enhance compliance in healthcare and clinical research contexts for autistic children and adolescents.

Approach:
  • Narrative Review: The review synthesizes existing literature on AAC and its potential benefits for autistic youth in healthcare and research settings.
  • Proposal for AAC Aids: The article proposes a set of AAC aids to improve understanding and compliance with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) in autistic individuals.
Key Findings:
  • AAC aids can reduce stress and anxiety, improving adherence to healthcare protocols.
  • No studies were identified that specifically address AAC's role in enhancing compliance during clinical research procedures involving autistic children and adolescents.
  • Communication barriers hinder effective participation of autistic individuals in clinical research.
Interpretation:

Communication difficulties in healthcare settings contribute to elevated stress and anxiety among autistic individuals, impacting their ability to engage with care.

Limitations:
  • Limited research on the specific role of AAC in clinical research compliance for autistic youth.
  • High exclusion rates of children with neurodevelopmental conditions from research studies.
Conclusion:

The integration of AAC strategies may facilitate better healthcare access and research participation for autistic youth.

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