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Updated: May 24, 2026

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Communication, disability, and the ICF-CY
Rune J Simeonsson1, Eva Björck-Åkessön, Donald J Lollar
1University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3500, USA. rjsimeon@email.unc.edu
Child communication development relies on interactions within their environment and family support. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) assessment and intervention require understanding these dynamics and using tools like the ICF-CY.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Child communication develops through interactions within their immediate environment and close relationships.
- Developmental outcomes are shaped by dynamic interplay between the child, family experiences, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) use.
- Communication challenges vary in manifestation and severity based on child's age, condition, partner skills, and AAC availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review assessment and intervention issues for children requiring AAC.
- To present the WHO's ICF-CY as a framework for enhancing AAC assessment and intervention.
- To emphasize the importance of environmental factors and interactions in AAC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on AAC assessment and intervention for children.
- Introduction and application of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health version for Children and Youth (ICF-CY).
Main Results:
- Assessment and intervention for AAC should consider the child, family, environment, and their interactions.
- The ICF-CY provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating functioning and contextual factors in children needing AAC.
- Clarifying functional and environmental factors is essential for effective AAC provision.
Conclusions:
- Effective AAC interventions necessitate a holistic approach, considering the child within their ecological system.
- The ICF-CY is a valuable tool for standardizing and improving the assessment and intervention process for pediatric AAC users.
- Understanding the multifaceted nature of communication development and challenges is key to successful AAC support.
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