Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Gesture in Communication
Published on: January 26, 2024
Examining the Family-Centeredness of Speech-Language Pathologists Working With Children Who Use Augmentative and
Elizabeth E Biggs1, Michelle C S Therrien2, Diana Abarca2
1Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Purpose:
Family-professional partnerships are important for youth learning to use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This study examined the family-oriented beliefs and practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with preschool and school-aged children learning to use aided AAC (aged 3-21 years), specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Method:
Participants were 25 SLPs who participated in an individual semistructured interview. Qualitative analysis was used to identify and describe groups of SLPs based on commonalities and differences in their beliefs and practices working with families. The characteristics of SLPs in each group was also explored descriptively (e.g., race/ethnicity, work setting, caseload).
Results:
SLPs clustered into three groups based on their beliefs and practices: (a) professionally centered, (b) family-allied, and (c) family-focused. SLPs varied across these groups in how they planned services, offered training/coaching, communicated, shared resources, offered emotional support, and adapted to and with different families.
Conclusions:
Findings indicate the need to support greater family-centeredness in AAC services by building on the strengths of SLPs in the field. Promoting strong family-professional partnerships could in turn improve outcomes for students who use AAC.
Supplemental Material:
https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25044125.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism 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.
01:30Family Therapy
Strategic Family Therapy
Strategic family therapy emphasizes resolving communication barriers and improving problem-solving abilities...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
01:21Barriers 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...