I WANT TO TALK LIKE EVERYONE - ON THE USE OF MULTIPLE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION

This qualitative case study is a description of a young man with autis m who communicated using speech, sign language, facilitated communicat ion, body language, and his mother's conversational supports. Particip ant observation, interviews, and review of records were used to explor e his current and past communication practices. These practices illust rate his preference for speaking and the complexity of choosing among communication means on an ongoing basis. Although the young man and hi s mother differed in their thinking about communication, they revealed a common goal: for Michael to participate in ordinary life activities as a member with a voice.