Communication Functions, Modalities, and Maternal Responses in Children with Severe Speech and Physical Impairment

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring the different kinds of functions and modalities used by children with severe speech and physical impairment (SSPI) and cerebral palsy (CP) during communicative interactions with their mothers; and the choice of modalities to indicate different functions. Furthermore, this study attempted to investigate if mothers displayed identifiable responsive styles during these interactions. An extensive coding system was developed to assess the communication functions and modalities used by children with SSPI and CP, and the maternal responsivity for the same. Four 15-minute maternal interaction sessions with their children were video-recorded for 10 subjects within the age range of 2;1 to 3;11 years. Interaction transcribed by the principal investigator was then coded by trained judges for the functions and modalities employed by the children and for the maternal responses for the same. Mean percentage for the coded communication functions, modalities, and maternal responses were calculated. Variability in terms of maternal responses for various communication functions and modalities were qualitatively analyzed. Results are discussed in the context of understanding communication strategies in these children and maternal responses toward the same. Results have implications for maternal responses as a viable area to be focused on during intervention for children with SSPI and CP along with speech and language intervention. Directions for clinical intervention and for future research are discussed in light of the research findings.