Coaching Parents of Young Children with Complex Communication Needs to Implement Aided Language Stimulation Using Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display Communication Books

ABSTRACT

The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility and language outcomes of coaching parents to implement an aided language stimulation intervention using Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books. Two parent–child dyads, with children aged 4 years 6 months and 4 years 8 months participated in a home-based intervention. An AB design was used. Data were collected in mealtime and play activities. Dependent variables were frequency of parent use of AAC symbols and speech and frequency of child symbol use (speech, signs or graphic symbols). The intervention was feasible as parents reported they were confident in implementing it and the timeframes were appropriate for single-case research designs. An increase in parent AAC symbol use was associated with PODD book use in mealtime and for one parent in play. Both children increased their symbol use, with the clearest association in the mealtime activity. Overall, the encouraging results suggest that this approach warrants further research using stronger designs.

KEYWORDS:

• augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
• aided language stimulation
• Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD)
• children
• coaching parents
• early intervention

Acknowledgments

The authors greatly appreciate the contributions of the two families who participated in this study, who carried out the intervention with their children and provided helpful feedback.

Disclosure statement

The first author works in private practice as a speech pathologist and presents workshops on PODD communication systems. No external funding or support was received. The second and third authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.