Abstract

This article aims to analyze academic and research trends focused on alternative communication systems (ACSs) aimed at students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The chronological evolution was identified through a longitudinal descriptive bibliometric analysis of scientific productions in the Scopus database (2001–2023), where 249 articles were located, mostly published in North American journals. Considering that the greatest obstacle that human beings have is not being able to communicate with others, this analysis shows that these communication systems allow us to expand or replace the communicative capacity of individuals who are limited in oral or verbal expression and who are able to communicate effectively in different ways. The importance of this study is that the speech and communication (SAC) intervention is undoubtedly a relevant strategy that positively impacts people with complex needs or poor communication access to new communication skills. Considering the current findings, the impact will lead to new perspectives in the future.