Speech language pathologists’ responses to the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the reported responses of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems for children with complex communication needs.

Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 SLPs who worked with children with complex communication needs. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis.

Results: Four themes describing SLPs’ responses were identified: (1) SLPs work with families; (2) SLPs respect families’ wishes; (3) SLPs “push ahead” with AAC irrespective of families’ wishes; and (4) SLPs reflect and acknowledge emotions.

Conclusions: SLPs varied in the degree to which they remained family-centred and utilised clinical reflection following the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems for the children they worked with. SLPs also described experiencing a range of negative emotions following the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system, which could impact upon ongoing client care.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• In this research SLPs reported variability in the degree to which they remained family-centred following the rejection or abandonment of an AAC system for the children they worked with.

• SLPs should reflect on their emotional responses to the rejection or abandonment of AAC systems by their clients.

• This research suggests that SLP services should consider monitoring the reflective practices of their clinicians to ensure ongoing clinical development and optimisation of client care.

Keywords:

• AAC
• augmentative and alternative communication
• rejection
• abandonment
• complex communication needs
• speech-language pathologist
• family-centred care

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).