"I've had a love-hate, I mean mostly hate relationship with these PODD books": parent perceptions of how they and their child contributed to AAC rejection and abandonment.

"I've had a love-hate, I mean mostly hate relationship with these PODD books": parent perceptions of how they and their child contributed to AAC rejection and abandonment. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2019 Jun 28;:1-11 Authors: Moorcroft A, Scarinci N, Meyer C Abstract Purpose: The introduction of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems can enhance the participation of young children with complex communication needs. However, existing literature suggests that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the child's parent may prevent ongoing use of the AAC system. Therefore, this study aimed to explore parent perspectives on the contribution of factors associated with the family unit to the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system for their child with complex communication needs. Methods: Parents of children with complex communication needs who had previously rejected or abandoned an AAC system (N = 12) participated in a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis of the interview data was completed. Results and conclusion: Analysis revealed four themes which captured family factors contributing to the rejection and abandonment of AAC systems: (a) parents lacked the emotional readiness and resilience to implement AAC, (b) implementing AAC was extraneous work for parents, (c) the child did not use their AAC system for communication, and (d) parents were not satisfied with the AAC system itself. SLPs must be aware ...
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology. - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol Source Type: research