The behavioural process underlying augmentative and alternative communication usage in direct support staff

ABSTRACT

Background Research findings suggest that direct support staff use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) inconsistently. Various staff-related factors have been identified, and researchers agree that these factors somehow interrelate. Therefore, we approached AAC use as a behavioural process and examined the synergy between staff-related factors.

Method Fifteen direct support staff and 10 speech-language/occupational therapists who work with adults who have an intellectual disability and use AAC were individually interviewed. Transcripts were studied using thematic analysis.

Results Three main themes were discerned: consistent versus inconsistent AAC usage in direct support staff; time as a real and virtual barrier; friction in the peer–expert relationship.

Conclusions Direct support staff primarily used AAC when there was an acute need for communication support. In contrast, both direct support staff and speech-language therapists felt that direct support staff should consistently provide augmented input. This discrepancy was driven by team dynamics as well as actual and perceived lack of time.

KEYWORDS:

• augmentative and alternative communication
• interview
• direct support staff
• speech-language therapist

Acknowledgements

This study is part of a PhD project focusing on AAC use in direct support staff. We are very grateful to the direct support staff, speech-language therapists, occupational therapist, and their institutions for participating. Special thanks go out to Eline Van Opstal and Laura Vandenberk for their assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The Foundation Marguerite-Marie Delacroix funded this project, and no restrictions were imposed on publication or access to data.