Journal of Advance Research in Science and Social Science (JARSSC) ISSN: 2582-2004 Publisher: Indian Mental Health & Research Centre Volume 06, Issue 01 DOI: 10.46523/jarssc.06.01.09 Multidisciplinary, Open Access Impact Factor: 3.612 Received: 14.12.2022 Accepted: 12.01.2023 Published: 16.01.2023 This work is licensed and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 96 How do we speak? Usage and implications of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Jeevan David Maxim Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University) Nobby Varghese Ph.D. Scholar, Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University) Abstract As per the definition of autism by the American Psychological Association (APA Dictionary of Psychology, n.d.), autism is typified by challenges in social skills and communication. In this context, awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and its usage becomes important for adults with autism to get employed and sustain their jobs. A phenomenological study of how persons with autism communicate and a cross-sectional analysis of the usage of AAC in adults with autism in the age group of 18-25 and its implications through qualitative analysis is proposed. The data collection was through in-depth interviews with the parents of the selected subjects on the ASD spectrum with speech impairments or complex communication needs. The interview questions were formulated based on factors obtained from the related literature, and interviews were carried out in a semi- structured manner. The thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Observation and analysis of communication behaviours of participants at the workplace were also performed by the psychologist. The results portrayed the parents’ lack of awareness regarding AACs and the importance of speech therapy. Parents of the subjects were also found to support certain myths about AACs. Besides, the study brings to light the need for transparency in the parent-therapist