Opportunity Barriers and Promising Practices for Supporting Individuals with Complex Communication Needs

AbstractPurpose of ReviewIt is well established that individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) can increase their ability to communicate efficiently and effectively. However, many individuals with CCN experience opportunity barriers with regard to the development of communication skills. This paper will review promising practices and research implications for addressing opportunity barriers for individuals with complex communication needs.Recent FindingsIndividuals with CCN may experience opportunity barriers to the development of communication skills, including barriers related to policies, practices, knowledge/skills of professionals or communication partners, and attitudes. Research suggests that promising practices exist for addressing these barriers. Additional research should be conducted in order to further our understanding of efficient and effective ways to address opportunity barriers.SummaryAlthough often discussed separately, it is important to note that opportunity barriers are interrelated and therefore changes to one barrier may have a collateral impact on other barriers. This paper summarized research related to opportunity barriers for individuals with CCN as well as promising practices for addressing barriers.
Source: Current Developmental Disorders Reports - Category: Child Development Source Type: research