TY - JOUR
T1 - Individuals with intellectual disabilities and augmentative and alternative communication
T2 - Analysis of survey data on uptake of aided AAC, and loneliness experiences
AU - Stancliffe, Roger J.
AU - Larson, Sheryl A
AU - Auerbach, Karen
AU - Engler, Joshua
AU - Taub, Sarah
AU - Lakin, K. Charlie
PY - 2010/6
Y1 - 2010/6
N2 - This study describes uptake of augmentative and alternative communication systems by adults with intellectual disabilities; their ability to self-report at interview; differences in self-reported loneliness experiences by communication mode; and predictors of loneliness. We analyzed National Core Indicators data from 26 US states involving over 13,000 service users grouped by primary means of expression: natural speech, gestures/body language, manual signs, or communication aid/device (aided AAC). Uptake of aided AAC was low; only 0.8 of participants used aided AAC as their primary means of expression. Valid interview responding was higher in turn for participants communicating with natural speech, aided AAC, and other modes. Almost half the participants were lonely, but loneliness did not differ by communication mode used; social contact and social climate variables predicted loneliness. Individuals who used aided AAC communicated more effectively than users of other non-speech modes, supporting more widespread use of aided AAC. Loneliness was prevalent but aided AAC users were not lonelier. Interventions to reduce loneliness are discussed.
AB - This study describes uptake of augmentative and alternative communication systems by adults with intellectual disabilities; their ability to self-report at interview; differences in self-reported loneliness experiences by communication mode; and predictors of loneliness. We analyzed National Core Indicators data from 26 US states involving over 13,000 service users grouped by primary means of expression: natural speech, gestures/body language, manual signs, or communication aid/device (aided AAC). Uptake of aided AAC was low; only 0.8 of participants used aided AAC as their primary means of expression. Valid interview responding was higher in turn for participants communicating with natural speech, aided AAC, and other modes. Almost half the participants were lonely, but loneliness did not differ by communication mode used; social contact and social climate variables predicted loneliness. Individuals who used aided AAC communicated more effectively than users of other non-speech modes, supporting more widespread use of aided AAC. Loneliness was prevalent but aided AAC users were not lonelier. Interventions to reduce loneliness are discussed.
KW - Aided AAC
KW - Intellectual disabilities
KW - Loneliness
KW - Self-report
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77952938753&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=77952938753&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3109/07434618.2010.481564
DO - 10.3109/07434618.2010.481564
M3 - Article
C2 - 20497072
AN - SCOPUS:77952938753
SN - 0743-4618
VL - 26
SP - 87
EP - 96
JO - AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
JF - AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
IS - 2
ER -