"Pushes and Pulls" on the Parents of Children who use AAC

Abstract

Anecdotal and research evidence suggest that professionals may not fully understand the perspectives of families of children who need or use AAC. The parents/carers of 11 children in Britain, who were in the early stages of using AAC, were recruited to take part in this study. Ethnographic interviewing was used to access rich descriptions of parents' experiences and views about having a child who needs to use AAC. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed. Analysis revealed three global themes: the child's communication or interaction, wider societal issues, and parents' views and experiences. One organizing theme, demands on parents, is discussed in greater depth. The findings are discussed with reference to previous research and the implications for professional practice are considered.