New Research Highlights the Power of Scene & Heard Pro in Supporting Young AAC Users

A recently published study in Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica is shining a spotlight on the positive impact of Scene & Heard Pro, Therapy Box’s visual scene display AAC app, in helping young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities build essential communication skills.

The research, conducted by Brenna Griffen, Elizabeth Lorah, Nicolette Sammarco Caldwell, and Christine Holyfield, examined how using Scene & Heard Pro alongside evidence-based instructional strategies - such as modeling, time delay, prompting, and reinforcement - can significantly enhance children’s ability to answer foundational school readiness questions like “What’s your name?” and “How old are you?” independently.

The study’s findings reinforce the value of visual scene displays as a functional and motivating AAC approach. Scene & Heard Pro allows communication partners to create personalised, context-rich visual scenes that embed vocabulary and language opportunities directly within meaningful photos and environments. When combined with strong communication partner strategies, these scenes offer young AAC users the tools they need to communicate more naturally and effectively.

For educators and clinicians working in early intervention and special education settings, this research provides strong support for integrating visual scene display AAC tools like Scene & Heard Pro into their practice. Not only does the app promote expressive communication, but it also encourages inclusion and participation in day-to-day learning routines.

📖 Reference Griffen B, Lorah E, Sammarco Caldwell N, Holyfield C. (2025). Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on School Readiness Skills from Young Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Folia Phoniatr Logop. https://doi.org/10.1159/000543628