Specific Challenges: Various Disabilities and Conditions Which Affect Communication

Aging-related communication difficulties and AAC

What Can I Say? Assistive Technology for Speech Impairments, Jill Sherman, MA, OTR/L, Project Director, Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) AzTAP’s New Initiative on Aging: Assistive Technology and Aging in Place. "It is important to understand that losing the ability to speak is NOT the same as having nothing to say. Remaining silent doesn't have to be an option!" Short general informational article; device types. http://www2.nau.edu/aztap-p/geriatric/articles/article11.pdf

Murphy J (2004) Enabling Frail Older People with a Communication Difficulty to Express their Views: the use of Talking Mats™ as an interview tool. Health and Social Care in the Community 13 (2) 95-107. AAC Research Group at the University of Stirling website. http://www.aacscotland.com/

References: Dementia & AAC Compiled by: Melanie Fried-Oken, Marie T. Rau, & Barry S. Oken from a chapter to appear (July of 2000) in the following volume: Augmentative Communication for Adults with Neurologic and Neuromuscular Disabilities Edited by: David R. Beukelman, Kathryn Yorkston, and Joe Reichle, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. List of published articles, chapters, books: http://aac.unl.edu/reference/Dementia_AAC.html

Eldercare at Home, CHAPTER 16 - Communication Problems. General guides to improve communication; Use writing, pictures, and gestures to supplement spoken language. http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/16.xml

Alzheimer’s Disease and AAC

Communication Difficulties: Assessment and Interventions From Dermatology Nursing Posted 10/26/2005 Della Frazier-Rios, RN, MS; Cora Zembrzuski, APRN, MSN, CS, PhD (cand.)  "Because the patient's language deficits and other cognitive impairments are caused by his or her dementia, the responsibility to facilitate communication lies with the clinician." http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/511629?src=search

References: Dementia & AAC Compiled by: Melanie Fried-Oken, Marie T. Rau, & Barry S. Oken from a chapter to appear (July of 2000) in the following volume: Augmentative Communication for Adults with Neurologic and Neuromuscular Disabilities Edited by: David R. Beukelman, Kathryn Yorkston, and Joe Reichle, Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. List of published articles, chapters, books. http://aac.unl.edu/reference/Dementia_AAC.html

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and AAC

Communication Independence for the Neurologically Impaired (CINI) Founded by speech pathologists, people with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease) and family members, CINI is "the only not-for-profit organization solely devoted to improving the quality of life of people with ALS/MND (Lou Gehrig's Disease), by disseminating information about the communication technology that can help them." AAC Device guide, resources for ALS, Frequently Asked Questions. http://www.cini.org/

Murphy J (2004) Communication strategies of people with ALS and their partners. ALS and other motor neuron disorders 5 (2) p.121 – 126. AAC Research Group at the University of Stirling website. http://www.aacscotland.com/

Angelman’s Syndrome and AAC

Angelman’s Syndrome and AAC. Augmentative Communication News Articles On Line http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_8_3_angelmans.html

Angelman’s Syndrome & AAC: Describes characteristics of individuals with AS. http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_8_3_1.html

Angelman’s Syndrome and AAC across the life span: Summarizes what is known about the clinical course of AS across the life span and suggests AAC may improve communication outcomes. http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_8_3_2.html

Low and high tech strategies: Suggests how and when technology might be introduced to children and adults with AS. http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_8_3_3.html

Support groups for persons with Angelman’s Syndrome: Covers the growing network of AS Support Groups. They are strong advocates for addressing the communication needs of people with AS. http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_8_3_4.html

Aphasia and AAC

Aphasia and AAC References—list of published articles, books, chapters of books. http://aac.unl.edu/reference/aphasiaref.html

AAC for Aphasia: A Review of Visual Scenes Display Project. Links to webcast, handouts, slides, transcript. Presenters: David R. Beukelman, Ph.D., Karen Hux, Ph.D., Kristy Weissling, MA, CCC, Aimee Dietz, MS, CCC, Miechelle McKelvey, MA, CCC http://aac-rerc.psu.edu/index-21030.php.html

Apraxia and AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for Children with Apraxia by Dyann Rupp, M.S., CCC-SLP. ". . .AAC is an appropriate consideration very early in intervention." http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.980831/apps/s/content.asp?ct=464453

Children with Apraxia and the Use of Augmenative and Alternative Communication By Gary Cumley, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. "The ‘communication pay off’ for introducing AAC into this populations intervention plan would be that the AAC options would provide this population greater opportunity of being a more effective communicator." Thorough review article. http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.980831/apps/s/content.asp?ct=464167

Apraxia? Dyspraxia?  Articulation? Phonology?  What Does It All Mean? By Nancy Lucker-Lazerson, M.A., CCC-SLP. "The most important thing to remember about speech production disorders is that therapy can, in most cases, make a huge difference. The earlier and more intensive the intervention, the more successful the therapy. Group therapy can be effective for articulation disorders and some phonology disorders, but children with CAS really need the intensive, individual therapy." http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.980831/apps/s/content.asp?ct=464133

How Parents Can Help Their Child with Apraxia at Home by Tim Burns. "In my opinion, the single biggest factor in the improvement of speech for your child is your commitment and involvement ... Therapists and their expertise is needed so that the parents clearly know what their child can do; what their child cannot do; what the starting point for therapy is; what the end point is; and what strategies and methods will get the child from start to finish. Therapists can be great teachers, guides and cheerleaders for families.  Often, therapists need to gently wake up the parent to habits and practices that they perpetuate which are not helping the child.  But surely, therapists and parents have to have high expectations for success." http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.980831/apps/s/content.asp?ct=464173

Apraxia-Kids web site. Building hope, Creating partnerships, Inspiring knowledge. Both "beginner" and "advanced" information related to Childhood Apraxia of Speech; apraxia library. http://www.apraxia-kids.org/site/c.chKMI0PIIsE/b.700249/k.71DB/Home_Page_for_ApraxiaKIDS/apps/lk/content3.aspx

Autism and AAC

Autism: A Supportive Communication Partner by Paula Kluth. Web site includes other articles and information on supporting individuals with autism in inclusive settings. http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

"If They Could Only Tell Me What They Are Thinking." The Need for Augmentative Communication for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, article contributed by Kim Davis, Indiana Resource Center on Autism. "Those of us who support individuals with ASD who are non-verbal owe it to them to leave no rock unturned when it comes to seeking alternative communication." Resource list. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/communication/TellMe.html

Initial Guidelines for Developing a Communication Intervention Plan for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Significant Limitations in Communication Ability, Article contributed by Beverly Vicker. Indiana Resource Center on Autism website. "This article does not pretend to cover all of the complexities of the initial decision-making process and the subsequent implementation of an intervention plan. It will, however, present an overview of a basic process and will address some of the primary issues." http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/communication/InitialGuidelinesCommun.html

On-line Articles on Communication and Autism, Indiana Resource Center on Autism website. http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/IRCAarticles/fcommunicationarticles.html

Visual Strategies: Visual Examples of Curriculum Accommodations/Modifications for Students with ASD. Photos of activity schedules, sentence completion, matching/spelling, transition stage, and more. http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/visualexamples.htm

Assistive Technology for Children with Autism. Discussion of techniques for visual representation systems. http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htmhttp://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst10.htm

Developing Expressive Communication Skills for Non-verbal Children With Autism by Susan Stokes Autism Consultant. Determining current communication abilities; developing communication program based on communication needs. http://www.specialed.us/autism/nonverbal/non11.htm

Cerebral Palsy and other Physical Disabilities

Assistive Technology: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, UCP Michigan website. "For years people with cerebral palsy who had communication difficulties were not considered to be intelligent or capable of interacting with the world ... A variety of communication devices have been developed specifically for people with disabilities." Provides general descriptions of devices and access methods; communication barriers. http://www.ucp.org/ucp_localdoc.cfm/87/8305/8305/8305-8305/4315

Developmental Disabilities and AAC

Guidelines for meeting the communication needs of persons with severe disabilities. National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities. American Speech and Hearing Association guidelines including a Communication Bill of Rights, Best Practice Guidelines, Assessment, and Knowledge and Skills needed by team providing AAC services. http://www.asha.org/docs/html/GL1992-00201.html#sec1.4.3

UW AugComm, University of Washington Augmentative Communication website. Information on Continuum of Communication Independence, Selecting AAC Vocabulary, Understanding AAC Features, Resources, and more. http://depts.washington.edu/augcomm/

General Benefits of Signing for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. "Children with learning disabilties often take longer to understand spoken information than typically developing children do. However, it is extremely important to find some method of communication that meets your individual child's needs." http://www.uoregon.edu/~cstein/disability.html

Down Syndrome and AAC

Communication with Adolescents and Children [with Down Syndrome] by Catherine Elizabeth Reckord, M.S., CCC-SLP, and Jan Turner, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Kennedy Krieger Institute website. "Though people with Down syndrome may have different levels of language skills, each can be helped to use verbal, nonverbal, or electronic communication techniques to accomplish many tasks in their everyday lives." http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_misc.jsp?pid=2134&bl=1

People with Down syndrome: Characteristics affecting the development of communication skills. Describes characteristics relating to the development of speech, language, and communication skills in the population. http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_5_2_1.html

Speech and Language Development in Children [with Down Syndrome] by Julie Sherman, M.S., CFY-SLP, Kennedy Krieger Institute website. Article for parents of children with Down syndrome. "For each developmental age range, information regarding general developmental milestones are given, areas of communication strengths and weaknesses are discussed, and activities are suggested for family members, caregivers, and educators to help children in this particular age range further develop communication skills in their home and/or school environments. Remember that you are the most important factor in your child's environment." http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_misc.jsp?pid=2133&bl=1

Using multiple modalities to address communication needs. Considers the use of speech, manual signs and gestures, communication boards, books and devices and reading. http://www.augcominc.com/index.cfm/article_5_2_2.html

Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder and AAC

Language and Communication: The Key is Effectiveness by Julie Bierman Gee, M.S., CCC-SLP, Kennedy Krieger Institute website. Article for parents discusses approaches to communication for people with Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder: combination of methods, building in choices, and more. "What’s important to remember, though, is that all children can learn to communicate. That communication may take different forms for different children: your child might use sign language, while his classmate uses an augmentative communication device. However, creating an intervention program that focuses on communication is sure to let you and your child see positive effects. This article will offer you information about things to consider as you begin intervention, and give you ideas about ways to begin to focus on communication with your child." http://www.kennedykrieger.org/kki_misc.jsp?pid=2143&bl=1

Fragile X Syndrome and AAC

What are Augmentative Devices, and How Can They be Used With Children Who are Not Speaking? Gail Harris-Schmidt, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Saint Xavier University Chicago, Illinois, National Fragile X Foundation website. "Many of these children understand more than they can say, such that the use of augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) devices may be helpful in allowing their thoughts and desires to be known." http://www.fragilex.org/html/augmentative.htm

Speech and Language Therapy for Individuals with Fragile X. "In time, most children with fragile X become quite verbal5, however; those children who do not develop functional speech and communication skills can learn to communicate with assistive technology devices." Fragile X Information Center, FPG Child Development Institute University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB 8180 Chapel Hill, NC 27599 http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~fx/Pages/423spe.htm

Health Impairment, Critical Illness and AAC

Use of electronic communication aids in medical intensive care - Research Oral Presentations - Author Abstract, American Journal of Critical Care,  May, 2003  by MB Happ,  TK Roesch,  K Garrett. "This pilot study showed that selected nonspeaking, critically ill adults can use and may benefit from electronic AAC devices. Design improvements, enhanced staff education, individualized AAC assessment, and AAC combination strategies are needed."

Communication Ability, Method, and Content Among Nonspeaking Nonsurviving Patients Treated with Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit. Posted 05/21/2004 From American Journal of Critical Care, Mary Beth Happ, RN, PhD; Patricia Tuite, RN, MSN; Kathy Dobbin, MSN, CRNP; Dana DiVirgilio-Thomas, BA; Julius Kitutu, PhD. Report of pilot study: "Better understanding and interpretation of intentional messages of gravely ill ICU patients may facilitate the expression of important thoughts and sentiments at the end of life and improve assessment of symptoms and selection of treatment for dying patients." "Efforts to reduce or eliminate the use of physical restraints among seriously ill, dying patients may do more than any other intervention to permit and facilitate communication with these vulnerable patients ... Clearly, improvement is needed in efforts to facilitate communication with patients receiving mechanical ventilation throughout the course of critical illness." http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/475120?src=search

Huntington's Disease and AAC

Communication Strategies for those with Huntington's disease. Jeff Searle, MS, Department of Hearing and Speech, Kansas University Medical Center. Speech and language skills affected, specific strategies for communication during progression and in advanced stages. "The principal guide-line in achieving effective communication is for the listener to consciously accept the responsibility for the conversation exchange. Because of the many deficits which frequently occur, the person with HD often needs to rely on external cues and guidance from the listener to achieve communication." http://www.kumc.edu/hospital/huntingtons/communication.html

Tips for Daily Living with Huntington's Disease, Articles by people on the Mailing List for Huntington's Disease. Compiled by Renette Davis. Ideas on communication, etc. by individuals who have known or cared for someone with Huntington's Disease. http://www2.lib.uchicago.edu/~rd13/hd/tips.html

Hyperlexia

Lynda Beedham (Eric Beedham’s story) When in Doubt, Write it Out! "Our [6 year old] son was deemed too low functioning for even the most basic picture communication system. During the parent interview, I had described what I considered to be Eric' s word recognition skills - reading was what I called it. He would place wooden blocks in a row: E R I C - A B C D E F G - S T O P. He snuggled in bed with a dictionary instead of a stuffed bear. It was a beginning, I thought, and I felt this showed that he could be taught to read. The examiner patted my hand and told me that I was being unrealistic. My goals should be more in line with Eric's potential, that is, eye contact and sitting appropriately." Fascinating report of a nonspeaking boy whose family discovered his hyperlexia and then had to work to get him an education when his reading ability was "pushed aside as an idiosyncratic, non-relevant skill." http://judyanddavid.com/cha/our_story/eric.html

Locked-in-Brain Syndrome and AAC

Augmentative Communication and Locked-in-Brain Syndrome Presenters: Donald B. Egolf, Ph.D., Department of Communication, University of Pittsburgh http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/2004/proceedings/45.htm

Brain-Computer Interface Allows "Locked-In" Patients to Communicate via Computer by Laurie Barclay, MD. "A noninvasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can allow people who are totally paralyzed to communicate by operating a computer cursor." Discussion of recent research report. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/496019?src=search

Muscular Dystrophy

Access Unlimited: Speaking For Yourself — AAC Devices Get Faster, Easier, More Flexible by Tara Wood. Information on various factors to consider in choosing a device to meet one's specific individual needs. http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q113access.html

Mind Muscle. Stories of several individuals who use AAC systems. http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q113mindmuscle.html

The Great Mouse Hunt "The good news for computer users with disabilities is that the variety of mouse alternatives on the market is growing and in many cases the prices are dropping. Depending upon your physical needs and your budget, dozens of choices are available. " http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q113mousehunt.html

Talk to Type: Speech-Recognition Software by Barbara Twardowski. Information on software programs and tips for use. http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q113talk2type.html

Communication Resources http://www.mda.org/publications/Quest/q113mindmuscle.html#commresources

Mutism in Older Adults and AAC

Mutism in the Older Adult From Geriatrics & Aging, Medscape, Posted 09/20/2005 Nages Nagaratnam, MD, FRCP, FRACP, FRCPA, FACC; Gowrie Pavan, MBBS, FRAGP. "One major source of disability in chronic neurological disorders in patients with pseudobulbar palsy is impaired communication. For the replacement of the voice in anarthritic and severely dysarthritic patients there are communication devices to augment other forms of communication therapy. The Canon communicator is a like a mini-typewriter with typed messages on strips of paper. Patients unable to use their hands can use an eye communicator." http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/512923?src=search

Palliative Care, hospice, serious illness and AAC

Care and Communication: The Role of the Speech Pathologist in Palliative Care, La Trobe University website. What is Communication? Communication in Palliative Care; Common Communication Difficulties in Palliative Care; Considerations; Communication and Culture; Decision Making in Palliative Care; References http://www.latrobe.edu.au/careandcommunication/communication.htm#1

Care and Communication: The Role of the Speech Pathologist in Palliative Care. Common Communication Difficulties in Palliative Care; Considerations; Communication and Culture; Decision Making in Palliative Care. http://www.latrobe.edu.au/careandcommunication/communication.htm#1

Prader-Willi Syndrome and AAC

Speech and Language & Prader-Willi Syndrome. Prader-Willi Syndrome Association-USA. "These alternate forms of communication are merely transitional steps to the development of speech and language. In many cases, augmentative techniques increase overall communication and may reduce the level of frustration for both child and caregivers." http://www.pwsausa.org/Brochure/speech.htm

Rett Syndrome and AAC

Information on communication issues, AAC, FC, strategies, equipment and devices. International Rett Syndrome Association website http://www.rettsyndrome.org/main/augmentative-communication.htm

Information on communication issues, AAC, Body Language, Choosing Vocabuary, Communication Boards, Communication IEP Objectives, Communication Success Story, Developing Choice-Making Skills, Device Catalog, Electronic Communications, Eye Pointing and Blinking, Facilitated Communication (FC), Head Pointers, Helpful Hints, Lily’s Journey, Love Spoken Here, Making an Eye Gaze Frame, Making Eye Gaze Vest, Paying for Communication Devices, Silent Souls, Speech Therapy, Thoughts on Communication, Using Yes & No, Using Switches, Using Words. http://www.rettsyndrome.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=465

Silent Souls by Tisha Nickenig. "And a voice may be the best gift to offer these silent souls. Because even though they can't speak, they're full of life inside. And every life deserves a chance to be heard." http://irsa3.timberlakepublishing.com/content.asp?contentid=781

Stroke, Brain Injury and AAC

American Heart and American Stroke Associations Endorse New Stroke Rehabilitation Guidelines, Medscape News, News Author: Laurie Barclay, MD, CME Author: Charles Vega, MD, FAAFP. Specific rehabilitation interventions may include compensatory strategies for dysphagia, such as posture changes, heightening sensory input, swallow maneuvers, active exercise programs, diet modifications, nonoral feeding, and psychological support; aphasia treatment; dysarthria management or training in the use of augmentative/alternative communication devices; strength training; constraint-induced movement therapy; functional electrical stimulation; spasticity treatment beginning with noninvasive and progressing to more invasive modalities including surgery; treatment of poststroke shoulder pain; cognitive rehabilitation; and treatment of depression and other emotional disorders. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/511995?src=search

Stroke, American Speech and Hearing Association website. Information on communication-related issues with strokes; AAC info on website. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Stroke.htm

The Power of Communication: AAC Applications for the Stroke Survivor " ... successful AAC systems should combine high tech, light tech and communicative strategies." http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/Us_Eu/conf/csun_99/session0096.html

Visual Impairment and AAC

The ABC’s of Vision and AAC in Augmentative Communication News Articles On Line http://www.augcominc.com/