Communication and AAC in the Lives of Adults with Autism: The Stories of Their Older Parents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the communication experiences, particularly those related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), of older parents who had an adult son or daughter with autism. A narrative analysis of in-depth interviews with 16 older parents indicated that the majority had rarely spontaneously mentioned AAC or other communication interventions. Most did not express the need for such services. Yet, communication breakdown featured prominently in parents’ narratives about interactions with their son or daughter. The quality of the communication between older parents and their offspring with autism constituted important sources of both gratification and strain in parents’ roles as caregivers. Reasons for the current lack of communication interventions are discussed, along with implications for communication and AAC service provision.

Keywords::

• Autism
• Adult
• Parent
• Augmentative and alternative communication
• Speech pathology

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.