Talking Mats in a discussion group for people with Huntington’s disease

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the function of Talking Mats (TM) in a discussion group for people with Huntington’s disease (HD). Method: Four persons with HD and their group leader participated. The group was videotaped during four discussions, two with and two without TM. A mixed method quantitative and qualitative study was implemented by evaluating the conversations using the protocol Effectiveness Framework of Functional Communication by analyzing the number of follow-up questions and by post discussion interviews. Results: The results showed improved effectiveness of communication for all participants and an increased number of follow-up questions, both from the group leader and from some of the participants. All participants and the leader were positive regarding the use of TM but there were also drawbacks. Conclusions: TM could be useful in discussion groups for people with HD. An increased number of follow-up questions when TM is used may lead to a deeper understanding within the group. This study is the first of its kind and more research in the area is needed.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Huntington’s disease (HD) comprises motor, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, which all affect communication.

• The low-tech, graphic resource Talking Mats (TM) has been shown to increase communicative effectiveness for persons with HD in two part conversations.

• Effectiveness of communication is improved both individually and for the group when TM is used in multi party interaction.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• communication effectiveness
• Huntington’s disease
• Talking Mats

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the participants and the group leader at the activity centre.

Declaration of interest

The Promobilia Foundation supported parts of this study. Figure 1 include The Picture Communication Symbols © 1981-2011 by Mayer-Johnson LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Used with permission.