Effects of Aided Augmented Input on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review

Authors

  • Antonio Javier Zurita Díaz Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga. C. Dr. Ortiz Ramos, 12, 29010 Málaga, España https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2960-8664
  • Ana Paula Couceiro Figueira Faculdade de Psicologia e da Ciências da Educação, Universidade de Coimbra. R. Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coímbra, Portugal
  • Marina Calleja Reina Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga. C. Dr. Ortiz Ramos, 12, 29010 Málaga, España

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17575/psicologia.2015

Keywords:

Aided Augmented Input, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience complex communication needs and developmental challenges. As a result, various intervention strategies incorporating augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) resources and supports are utilised. One notable approach is aided augmented input, an intervention that involves using visual symbols provided by a communication partner to support both expressive communication and comprehension. This scoping review aims to examine the existing literature on this intervention in children and adolescents with ASD, following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. 17 studies from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were analysed, focusing on AAC resources, implementation contexts, and key findings. Results suggest that aided augmented input benefits users with ASD by enhancing communication, social skills, and behaviour. However, further research is needed to better understand its effects.

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Author Biographies

Antonio Javier Zurita Díaz, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga. C. Dr. Ortiz Ramos, 12, 29010 Málaga, España

As a professor at the University of Málaga (Spain), speech therapist, and predoctoral researcher, my goal is to address a wide range of disorders, impairments, and conditions that lead to complex communication needs. My research focuses on understanding their impact and development in the most affected areas.

I have professional experience, university training, and volunteer work in early intervention, school-age populations, and even adult life. Through active participation in numerous cases, I have acquired new skills and strategies that I have applied in both intervention and assessment from a speech therapy perspective. My work has primarily involved children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders, people with Down syndrome, as well as adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Currently, I have published scientific articles and book chapters in high-impact journals and maintain a strong collaboration with the University of Coimbra (Portugal).

Since beginning my studies, I have continued expanding my knowledge through official courses and specialized workshops, incorporating modern and innovative perspectives. These include the use of new technologies for knowledge construction, music therapy in childhood disabilities, social integration, functional and acquired dysphonia, and therapeutic drawing, among others.

Ana Paula Couceiro Figueira, Faculdade de Psicologia e da Ciências da Educação, Universidade de Coimbra. R. Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coímbra, Portugal

Ana Paula Mendes Correia Couceiro Figueira is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, where she has been teaching since earning her PhD in 2002. She holds a PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor's degree in Psychology, specializing in Educational Psychology. Currently, she is conducting postdoctoral research at the University of Salamanca, focusing on stereotypes and prejudice assessment and intervention.

She has published numerous articles in specialized journals, contributed to conference proceedings, and co-authored books and book chapters. She has participated in various national and international scientific events, primarily in Psychology and Education. Her teaching experience spans multiple courses in Psychology, Educational Sciences, and Social Work, supervising students at all academic levels, including postdoctoral researchers.

Her research interests include Educational Psychology, with a focus on language comprehension, linguistic awareness, and social issues such as inclusion, stereotypes, and prejudice. She has been involved in several research projects, including international collaborations funded by the European Commission. She is a Full Member of the Portuguese Psychologists' Association (License No. 12451).

Marina Calleja Reina, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga. C. Dr. Ortiz Ramos, 12, 29010 Málaga, España

I have been a professor at the University of Málaga since 2001 and currently hold a position as Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Psychology.

I hold degrees in Educational Sciences (1992) and Psychology (1993) from the University of Málaga, where I also earned a PhD in Psychology (2000) with a dissertation on negative priming in word pairs with associative links. I have been a member of the Cognitive Science Research Group since 2000 and serve as the Principal Investigator of the Thematic Network on Complex Communication Needs and Rare Diseases, funded by the University of Málaga.

My academic training includes research stays at institutions such as the University of Wolverhampton (UK), the University of San Carlos (Guatemala), Middlesex University (UK), and the Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center in Seville, Spain. I have published 40 contributions, including high-impact journal articles and book chapters, and participated in nine European, national, and regional research projects.

My research focuses on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Complex Communication Needs, and Inclusive Communication. As part of the Erasmus+ Enhancing Communication (EC+) project, I have contributed to the development of the EC+ app for individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, as well as an academic portal providing resources for professionals working with populations with complex communication needs. My work aims to identify communication profiles in highly vulnerable groups, such as individuals with rare diseases and severe cognitive impairments, in order to promote inclusive communication and eliminate barriers to social participation.

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Published

2026-07-04

How to Cite

Zurita Díaz, A. J., Couceiro Figueira, A. P., & Calleja Reina, M. (2026). Effects of Aided Augmented Input on Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Scoping Review. PSICOLOGIA, 40(1), 48–66. https://doi.org/10.17575/psicologia.2015

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Non-thematic articles