Reduction in Behavior Problems with Increase in Communication Skills Through Augmentative and Alternative Communication among Special Needs Children

Abstract

Cerebral Palsy is one of the most prevalent physical handicaps in children. Sensory-motor problems such as communication and cognitive impairment are major symptoms of cerebral palsy. In Pakistan, lack of interventions for cerebral palsy children exists due to low health budget. Consequently, CP children are facing difficulty in having the treatment. The present study aims to implement an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approach among nonverbal children with cerebral palsy living in Pakistan. Past research evidence has revealed the co-morbidity of communication problems with behavioral issues among cerebral palsy children. Keeping in view, the present study also aims to examine the behavioral issues of nonverbal children with cerebral palsy. For the said purpose, a pilot study employed the interventional research design (pre and post assessment) which was conducted in Pakistan. 10 nonverbal cerebral palsy children were selected from three different special needs centers by using non-probability sampling technique. Repeated measures, pre and post assessment t-test analysis was conducted to assess the impact of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention on the communication skills and behavioral problems of the participants. The results showed that AAC intervention has significantly improved the communication skills (t = -11.09, P < .001) and reduced the behavioral problems (t = 2.55, P <.005) of the participants which were nonverbal children with cerebral palsy. Thematic analysis on the open-ended questions from Pragmatic profile reported that participants have started to enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. After the intervention, significant improvement in communication has been observed in participants when they present needs/desire. Thus, this study recommends that implementation of AAC on cerebral palsy population would be effective in improving communication skills and reducing their behavioral problems.