The application of the family of participation-related constructs (fPRC) framework to AAC intervention outcomes in children with complex communication needs: a scoping review

Abstract

Participation is a fundamental human right, and being able to communicate is an essential component of participation in various life situations, such as at school, with peers, and in the community. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions aim to facilitate communication and social interaction, independence, and participation in all aspects of life. The purpose of this study was to summarize and map the AAC intervention outcomes for children with complex communication needs onto the Family of Participation-Related Constructs (fPRC) framework. The scoping review identified 270 studies for inclusion, and the data gathered was extracted and mapped onto the fPRC framework. The results indicate that although many studies have reported on participation-related constructs such as activity competence and context, there is still insufficient focus on attendance and involvement, sense of self, and environment constructs. Hence, future research in the field of AAC is needed on the various constructs of participation proposed by the fPRC framework.

Keywords:

• Augmentative and alternative communication
• AAC intervention
• Complex communication needs
• fPRC framework
• ICF
• Participation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The scoping review protocol was registered (doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/3Z8UM) on the open science framework (Center for Open Science, 2020).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funds awarded by Future Africa/United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funders.