Simultaneous and delayed matching to sample in gesture users and speakers with mental retardation.

Gutierrez et al. (1998) tested how well people with severe intellectual disability match different kinds of symbols. They used four symbol types: hand gestures, color photos, simple line drawings, and spoken words.

Each person tried two kinds of tests. In the simultaneous test, the sample and choices stayed on the table. In the delayed test, the sample disappeared before the choices appeared.

Line drawings won during simultaneous matching. People picked the correct drawing faster and more often than photos or gestures.

After a short delay, spoken names worked best. Photos and gestures dropped off sharply, but spoken words held steady.

Cordova et al. (1993) showed that most people with moderate or severe ID can pass identity-matching tests when the items are plain shapes. C et al. added the twist that the symbol type matters once you move to real-world AAC symbols.

McCann (1981) found that cut-out photos beat full photos for teens with severe ID. C et al. line up with that idea: simpler pictures work better when the task is immediate.

Lacombe et al. (2024) report that students with ID use gestures for almost one-third of their communication. That strength seems to clash with C et al., where gesture users scored worst. The gap disappears when you see the tasks: Noémie watched natural problem solving; C et al. asked for exact one-to-one matching. Gestures shine for expressing ideas, not for precise picture matching.

When you pick symbols for an AAC system, choose line drawings for fast, on-the-spot choices like food items at lunch. Switch to spoken output or auditory prompts when you need the person to remember the symbol later, such as recalling a schedule after a bathroom break. Test both formats during your assessment instead of assuming one size fits all.