Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices help minimally verbal and nonverbal (MV/NV) individuals express language, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Research shows AAC benefits language outcomes for individuals with ASD, with a growing number of scholars supporting the combination of AAC with music therapy (MT). Doing so is thought to improve communication abilities, social skills, and cognitive development in the ASD population. While promising, regular use of AAC and MT in the clinical setting is still limited. This thesis paper will review the development and use of AAC in music therapy for ASD patients, synthesizing historical trends, professional guidelines, and perspectives. As with any paradigm shift in clinical care, well-published standards and evidence will be required. This will include AAC development standards supported by methodologically sound published studies. An analysis and performance of a choral composition created by an individual with ASD will showcase a potential outcome of music therapy combined with AAC, share the composer’s personal ASD-related experience, and highlight social, cognitive, and neurological benefits using this technique. Using this case study as an example, musical elements, including rhythm, melody, and improvisation, will show how customized treatment plans may be designed and successfully implemented within the broader ASD community. 

Ultimately, the incorporation of AAC and MT will prove to be an important treatment option, which may successfully be leveraged with a heterogeneous ASD population. Doing so will accelerate ASD patients’ abilities to communicate more effectively and develop skills improving functional and cognitive abilities.