Challenges to the Development of Core Vocabulary for Arabic Symbol-Based AAC

Background: There has been enormous research towards the determination of core vocabulary for non-verbal and minimally verbal people using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in English and other Latin languages; however, there is limited literature about this in Arabic. This is partly due to the grammatical and lexical complexity of the Arabic language. This has created issues to attempts to create an Arabic symbol-based AAC.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a core vocabulary list for a symbol-based Arabic AAC suitable for nonverbal children with mild to moderate autism.

Methods: a participatory study focused on the collection of naturally occurring Arabic vocabulary from 80 neurotypical children, aged from 3 to 10 years from 4 Arabic speaking countries. Parents and children are engaged through the use of an online tool developed for reporting. The tools allows submission of words and offers an option to submit recordings of conversations with parents consent.

Results: this is an ongoing study. Results are expected in March 2018

Conclusions: conclusions will be included once study is completed.