What shapes families’ experiences with communication support for young autistic children?

Details

For young children on the autism spectrum who are beginning communicators, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can support language development and participation in meaningful interactions. AAC is more likely to be effective when services align with the family’s needs and priorities. To better understand family perspectives, this study investigated parents’ experiences of communication and AAC with young beginning communicators on the autism spectrum.

The study used a phenomenological qualitative design. Eight caregivers of seven children on the autism spectrum took part in semistructured interviews, and researchers used thematic analysis to identify themes in the data. Five main themes and 15 subthemes emerged.

Parents described communication and AAC in the context of complex, busy lives. They discussed the value of communication and the benefits of AAC, but also described numerous challenges in obtaining, learning and implementing AAC that evolved as needs and skills changed over time. They discussed their children’s individuality and the need for AAC systems and services to fit each child’s and family’s unique needs. They also emphasized that communication outcomes were affected by factors outside the child and family, including professional services and the U.S. health care and educational systems.

The researchers concluded that AAC services for young children on the autism spectrum need to consider the family and the broader social system. They stated that family-centered services are critical to successful AAC. Supplemental material is available at https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24881562.