Parents’ Reports of Patterns of Use and Exposure to Practices Associated with AAC Acceptance by Individuals with Angelman Syndrome

Abstract

The primary purpose of this investigation was to enhance our understanding of AAC use by individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS) in relation to two broad genotypes: Deletion Positive (DP) and Non Deletion (ND). Previous investigators have suggested individuals without deletions typically exhibit stronger cognitive and communicative abilities than their DP counterparts. This investigation focused on several aspects of AAC use: communication systems used; exposure to, success with, and acceptance of electronic AAC devices; and exposure to practices associated with AAC acceptance. Results indicated that both groups rely heavily on unaided, nonsymbolic methods of communication, with the ND group more likely to use conventional, symbolic systems. While the two groups were similar with respect to exposure to an array of electronic devices, the DP group appeared more likely to have gone no further than low-tech devices such as the BIGmack™. There was strong evidence of both groups’ capabilities for success with high-tech devices and overall acceptance of devices in terms of duration of use. This proved especially noteworthy in light of both groups’ limited exposure to practices associated with AAC acceptance. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed along with future avenues of research.

Keywords::

• Acceptance
• Communication
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Angelman syndrome

Notes

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes

1. Dynavoxes are products of the DynaVox Mayer-Johnson Company of Pittsburgh, PA.

2. Go Talks are a product of the Attainment Company of Verona, WI.

3. BIGmack is a product of AbleNet, Inc. of Roseville, MN.

4. iPad and iPod are products of Apple Computers of Cupertino, CA.

5. 57-Level Communication Builder is a product of Enabling Devices of Hawthorne, NY.

6. Tech Talks are products of Applied Multimedia Devices, Inc. of Farmingdale, NY.

7. Tango is a product of the DynaVox Mayer-Johnson Company of Pittsburgh, PA.

8. Vantages are products of the Prentke Romich Company (PRC) of Wooster, OH.

9. Pathfinder is a product of the Prentke Romich Company of Wooster, OH.

10. Step by Step is a product of AbleNet, Inc. of Roseville, MN.

11. Springboards are a product of the Prentke Romich Company of Wooster, OH.

12. Cheap Talks are products of Enabling Devices of Hawthorne, NY.

13. Hip Talkers are products of Enabling Devices of Hawthorne, NY.

14. SuperTalker is a product of AbleNet, Inc. of Roseville, NY.

15. Logan ProxTalker is a product of ProxTalker.Com, LLC of Waterbury, CT.