An ecological method for the sampling of nonverbal signalling behaviours of young children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)

Abstract

Background: Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) are a complex range of disabilities that affect the general health and well-being of the individual and their capacity to interact and learn. Method: We developed a new methodology to capture the non-symbolic signalling behaviours of children with PMLD within the context of a face-to-face interaction with a caregiver to provide analysis at a micro-level of descriptive detail incorporating the use of the ELAN digital video software. Conclusion: The signalling behaviours of participants in a natural, everyday interaction can be better understood with the use of this innovation in methodology, which is predicated on the ecology of communication. Recognition of the developmental ability of the participants is an integral factor within that ecology. The method presented establishes an advanced account of the modalities through which a child affected by PMLD is able to communicate.

• Behavioural data sampling
• ecological validity
• non-verbal communication
• profound and multiple learning disabilities
• qualitative research method

Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to each of the child-participants and their families for their contribution to the research from which this paper is drawn, and to the Head Teacher of the special school in granting permission to conduct the research project within the school setting. The authors are extremely grateful to Dr. Adam Schembri, formerly of the Deafness Cognition and Language Research Centre (DCAL), University College London, for introducing the ELAN software annotation tool.

Declaration of interest

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