Developing a Profile of Canadian Children With Cerebral Palsy Who Require Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent motor disability affecting children. Many children with CP have significant speech difficulties and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to participate in communication. Despite demonstrable benefits, the use of AAC systems among children with CP remains constrained, although research in Canada is lacking.

Data were collected as part of an exploratory survey of Canadian caregivers and clinicians (N = 60) who shared their perspectives on children's need for, access to, and use of AAC systems. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Caregivers and clinicians reported high rates of need for AAC systems (> 75%) among children with CP. Both groups reported that access was roughly equivalent to need, although caregiver reports were lower. Despite high rates of need and access, only 38% of children used AAC systems. Children who used AAC primarily used high-tech systems, mostly to make choices, rather than engaging in meaningful reciprocal interactions and conversations.

Canadian children with CP who required AAC systems generally received them. However, AAC systems were not used to their full potential, suggesting limited participation in social and learning situations. Like reports on other pediatric populations, barriers to obtaining AAC systems related to service, family, and child-specific factors. Although our sample captured the complexity present in the CP population, sample sizes were small and unlikely to be representative of the population of Canada, indicating the need for further research on a national scale.

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28229720.