Perceptions of communication before and after a speech pathology intervention for an adult with intellectual disability

Factors influencing communication partners of persons with severe/profound intellectual disability use of augmentative and alternative communication: an integrative review

PURPOSE

To present a synthesis of evidence related to the factors influencing communication partners' use of augmentative and alternative communication with persons with severe/profound intellectual disability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An integrative review guided by five steps; problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation was undertaken. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, nine databases were searched, 1,342 studies were screened against the eligibility criteria, and 15 studies underwent thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two themes emerged; (1) Achieving Meaningful Communication and (2) Communication Partners' Preparedness to Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Achieving meaningful communication was central to communication partners' use of augmentative and alternative communication and was two-fold. It involved identifying the persons' communication methods and encouraging them to communicate. Communication partners' preparedness also influenced their use of augmentative and alternative communication. This preparedness was impacted by communication partners' preconceived thoughts about and knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication, nurturing their belief in augmentative and alternative communication, and the interpersonal dynamic between network members.

CONCLUSION

Communication partners' use of augmentative and alternative communication is influenced by multiple and complex factors. The findings contribute to the knowledge of the potential factors to be considered to prepare communication partners to use augmentative and alternative communication.

Scoping review on communication systems used by adults with severe/profound intellectual disability for functional communication

BACKGROUND

Adults with severe/profound intellectual disability typically face poor communication outcomes as they are often nonverbal and need their supporters to provide for their communication needs. This review aimed to identify studies focused on the communication resources people with severe/profound intellectual disability use for functional communication, and the enablers and barriers to functional communication.

METHODS

Nine databases were systematically reviewed with keywords pertaining to the functional communication of adults with severe/profound intellectual disability. Out of 3427 identified articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Hand searches and ancestral searches identified another 4 articles. Out of the 16 articles, two did not meet the quality assessment criteria and were excluded. Thus, 14 articles were included in this review.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that picture exchange communication systems is the most common communication system used to support the development of functional communication. The most common functions enabled by the communication systems were choice-making and making requests. Several barriers (e.g., individual factors related to adults with severe/profound intellectual disability, others' attitudes, behaviour and knowledge) to and enablers (e.g., accessibility and availability of the communication system, training for those supporting adults with severe/profound intellectual disability) of functional communication were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Removing the barriers and enabling functional communication is essential to developing the functional communication of adults with severe/profound intellectual disability.