Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
06:16
Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
3.8K
Parent perspectives on augmentative and alternative communication in Sri Lanka
Nimisha Muttiah1,2, Ayendree Seneviratne1, Kathryn D R Drager3
1Department of Disability Studies, The University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
|October 26, 2022
Summary
Sri Lankan parents view augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) positively but face challenges, particularly with speech-language therapists’ limited AAC training. This highlights a need for improved support systems for families using AAC.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Assistive Technology
- Family-Centered Care
Background:
- Parental involvement is crucial for successful implementation of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in children.
- Family-centered service provision is essential when delivering AAC services to children with complex communication needs.
- Understanding parental perspectives is vital for tailoring effective AAC interventions, especially in diverse cultural and economic contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives and lived experiences of Sri Lankan parents regarding augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
- To identify key themes related to parental experiences with AAC systems for their children.
- To inform speech-language therapists working with families in low- and middle-income countries.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 parents of children with complex communication needs.
- Employed thematic analysis to interpret interview data.
- Identified key themes: External Systems, Impact on the Family, Impact on the Child, and Communication (including AAC).
Main Results:
- Parents reported several positive aspects associated with their child's use of AAC.
- Significant challenges were identified, including a perceived lack of knowledge and training in AAC among speech-language therapists.
- The study highlighted the multifaceted impact of AAC on the child and the family unit.
Conclusions:
- Sri Lankan parents generally hold positive views on AAC but encounter practical difficulties.
- There is a critical need for enhanced AAC training and knowledge among speech-language therapists serving these populations.
- Findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive and well-supported AAC services for families in low- and middle-income countries.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
187
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
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.
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.
187
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
3.7K
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
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...
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...
3.7K
01:30Barriers to Effective Communication I
9.3K
A communication barrier is any distortion or interruption during a conversation, resulting in miscommunication of the message. A good communicator should know these barriers and continuously check for the listener's understanding by obtaining feedback.
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...
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...
9.3K
01:25Learning Disabilities
255
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
255
01:29Intellectual Disability
137
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
137
01:14SBAR II: Application of SBAR
4.6K
SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
4.6K