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This study used ZIP code level data on children's health (National Survey of Children's Health, 2012) and land cover (National Land Cover Database, 2011) from across the United States to investigate connections between proximity to green space (tree canopy), gray space (impervious surfaces), and expression of a critical co-morbid condition, anxiety, in three groups of youth: children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 1501), non-ASD children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN, n = 15,776), and typically developing children (n = 53,650). Both impervious surface coverage and tree canopy coverage increased the risk of severe anxiety in youth with autism, but not CSHCN or typical children. Children with ASD might experience the stress-reducing benefits of nature differently than their typically developing peers. More research using objective diagnostic metrics at finer spatial scales would help to illuminate complex relationships between green space, anxiety, and other co-morbid conditions in youth with ASD.

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are a common assistive technology (AT) intervention for learners with complex communication needs (CCN) – those learners who are unable to use speech and language as a primary mode of communication. AAC systems can be a powerful intervention; however, these systems must be integrated with strong, early and conventional literacy instructional opportunities. In this chapter, we provide parents, educators, researchers, academics, and other professionals with the most up to date and innovative information as well as practical resources regarding early literacy and AAC for learners with CCN. Emphasis will be on young children with CCN in preschool and early elementary school settings. Features of AAC systems and evidence-based literacy assessment and intervention, as well as the benefits and challenges, are presented to provide the reader with information on the current state of the field. The chapter concludes with directions for future research and provides a comprehensive list of resources and organizations.