Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Social Positioning to Increase Communication of Adults With Extensive Support Needs
Dena R Bonnike1, Karen H Douglas1, Yun-Ching Chung1
1Dena R. Bonnike, Illinois State University; Karen H. Douglas, Radford University; and Yun-Ching Chung and George R. Peterson-Karlan, Illinois State University.
Abstract:
Social positioning involves positioning individuals with extensive support needs (ESN) in proximity to and facing a communication partner, with access to a speech-generating device (SGD). We used a multiple probe design to evaluate if social positioning would increase the symbolic and nonsymbolic communication of 10 adults with ESN when they were out of their wheelchairs. Dependent variables included (a) SGD activations, (b) eye gaze, (c) vocalizations, and (d) reaching. Visual analysis of the results indicated a functional relation between the introduction of social positioning and increased eye gaze and SGD activations of participants while maintenance data were variable. Implications for service providers and future research directions are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this...
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Intellectual Disability

