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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the communication ability of individuals with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 syndromes.
Methods: Parents reported on children’s potential communication acts, words, spontaneous gesture, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) using a parent report inventory (n = 32; age range 3–35 years). Potential communicative acts are defined as behaviors produced by an individual that may be interpreted by others to serve communicative functions.
Results: Potential communicative acts categorized as body movement displayed the highest median rank for reported occurrence followed by vocalization and facial expression. Although symbolic forms were ranked lower, more than half of the parents (66%) reported that their children produced at least one word, gesture or AAC form. Challenging behaviors or stereotypic movement displayed lowest median ranks.
Conclusions: Results are discussed in terms of communication potential and the need to address AAC in trisomy 18 and 13.
Acknowledgments
We thank the Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13, and Related Disorders (SOFT) for their assistance and the parents of individuals with Trisomy 18 and 13 who participated in this work.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.
Funding for this work was provided by Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Summer Student Research Program. We would like to acknowledge Eric Armbrecht, PhD, Saint Louis University School of Medicine for statistical support.