Communicative Spontaneity in Individuals with High Support Needs: An exploratory consideration of causation

Spontaneity of communication has frequently been identified as a problem for individuals with high support needs. This paper considers several possible explanations that might account for this observation. These include (a) the possibility that limited spontaneity is an inherent characteristic of individuals with high support needs, (b) that it is a product of aspects of highly structured teaching programs, (c) that it is a form of learned helplessness, and finally, (d) that deficits are a product of a failure to systematically and actively program for spontaneity. Each of these possible explanations is critically evaluated with consideration of relevant research evidence. At this point, discussion of causative factors remains speculative and further research may be regarded as of significant importance. A greater understanding of processes involved in low communicative spontaneity may eventually assist in the development of more effective approaches to intervention.