Abstract
This chapter aims to describe communication assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) who are at the beginning stages of communication development. The chapter begins with a description of beginning communicators. This is followed by an overview of research that has investigated the forms and functions of pre-symbolic behavior (i.e., beginning communication skills) among individuals with AS. Assessment procedures for identifying pre-symbolic forms and functions are outlined. The final section describes intervention approaches for enhancing the effectiveness of pre-symbolic behavior and fostering the transition from pre-symbolic to symbolic communication.
Keywords: Angelman syndrome, Augmentative and alternative communication, Beginning communicators, Enhancement approach, Interpretive approach, Presymbolic communication, Replacement approach.