An Examination of Parent Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems in Children with Fragile X Syndrome

2011

The purposes of this qualitative inquiry were as follows: (a) to understand how mothers of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems in the home, (b) to capture their views regarding AAC use, and (c) to examine the support they received in the process. Data was collected using participant observations, semi-structured interviews and review of archival educational records and were analyzed using grounded theory methods. Results revealed that for children with FXS, the interplay of children?s complex developmental challenges, mothers? internal struggles, and the absence of external supports leads to limited and variable use of AAC in the home.

augmentative and alternative communication, fragile X syndrome, communication impairments, language intervention, parent perspectives

Doctoral Dissertation or Master's Thesis

Professionals, Students

Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

http://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_dissertations/556/

N/A