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Communication aids for children: procedures and problems
N Jolleff1, H McConachie, S Winyard
1Department of Neurology and Developmental Paediatrics, Wolfson Centre, London.
Insights
This study details the Communication Aids Centre
Area of Science:
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
Background:
- The Wolfson Centre's Communication Aids Centre serves children needing assistive technology.
- Many young children, particularly those with cerebral palsy, require specialized communication aids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the organization and procedures of a specialized center for children's communication aids.
- To present a model for assessing and recommending augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
- To investigate the waiting times and challenges in AAC provision for children in the UK.
Main Methods:
- Review of organizational procedures at the Communication Aids Centre.
- Analysis of patient demographics (cerebral palsy, wheelchair dependency, age at assessment).
- Detailed follow-up study of nine children to assess aid provision timelines and usage challenges.
Main Results:
- Most children assessed had cerebral palsy; nearly half were under five years old.
- Significant waiting times for aid provision in the UK were observed.
- Inadequate training for children and communication partners emerged as a key barrier to aid use.
Conclusions:
- Effective AAC services require streamlined assessment and recommendation processes.
- Addressing training gaps for users and communication partners is crucial for successful AAC implementation.
- Improvements in AAC service delivery are needed to reduce waiting times and enhance user outcomes.
Abstract:
This paper describes the organisation and procedures of the Communication Aids Centre for children at the Wolfson Centre, London, including a model for assessment and recommendation of appropriate aids, such as symbol charts, switches and speech synthesisers. Of the children seen over an 18-month period, most had cerebral palsy and two-thirds were wheelchair-dependent. Almost half were assessed before the age of five years. A detailed follow-up of nine children is presented which reveals how long children may have to wait for the provision of an aid in the UK. Possible problems in establishing use of an aid are discussed; these include inadequate training of children and their communication partners. Suggestions for future improvements of communication-aids services are explored.