Exploring the use of AAC by children and young people with Down syndrome and their communication partners

Individuals with Down syndrome can experience verbal communication challenges across their lifespan, impacting daily interactions. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can be beneficial; that is, ways of communicating alongside, or in the absence of, speech. This includes unaided AAC modalities, such as keyword signing and gesture, and aided modalities, such as the use of symbols, writing, photographs, and the use of voice output communication aids (VOCAs, also known as speech generating devices, or SGDs). To date, research involving the use of unaided and aided AAC by children and young people (C&YP) with Down syndrome has focussed on intervention studies. How AAC is accessed, supported, and experienced in everyday life by this group is relatively unreported.

This presentation will discuss the results of a UK-wide survey completed by 264 caregivers of C&YP with Down syndrome (3-18 years), reporting on perceived verbal communication abilities, AAC currently used, support received, and contextual influences on communication, including communication partner familiarity. Further, preliminary insights from a series of follow-up case studies (in progress) involving families of C&YP with Down syndrome who have experience of using aided AAC modalities and keyword signing will be briefly presented, exploring 1) How do C&YP with Down syndrome and stakeholders perceive and manage AAC to facilitate communication involving familiar and unfamiliar communication partners? and 2) What are C&YP with Down syndrome and stakeholders' experiences of support relating to communication and AAC? This data was gained using observational methods and Talking Mats™ with C&YP with Down syndrome, and interviews with caregivers, siblings, and wider stakeholders such as grandparents, education staff, and speech and language therapists. Together, the findings offer useful insights relating to the assessment, provision, support, and use of AAC, providing opportunities to enhance the social participation and independence of C&YP with Down syndrome.