Using a Life Course Approach to Explore How the Use of AAC Impacts on Adult Sibling Relationships

Abstract

A life-course methodology was used to explore the relationship between four adults with moderate/severe cerebral palsy with complex communication needs who used AAC, and six of their non-disabled siblings. In-depth interview data were analyzed using a constructivist grounded-theory approach. Elder’s life-course paradigm illuminated the importance of historical timing, social time, linked lives, and human agency to the development of communication strategies between siblings. Taking a life-course approach to studying issues related to individuals who use AAC assists understanding of how their family experiences and relationships change over time. This understanding is important, given the strong commitment by family members demonstrated in this study to supporting individuals who use AAC.

Keywords::

• Life course
• AAC
• Adult siblings
• Cerebral palsy

Acknowledgements

Thanks are given to the four participants with cerebral palsy who used AAC and their six non-disabled siblings. This research was supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC), which provided the first author with a post-graduate scholarship to undertake doctoral research in partnership with a specialist cerebral palsy non-government organization (name not given to ensure participants’ anonymity).

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