A Demographic Survey of Children and Adolescents with Complex Communication Needs in Israel

Abstract

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to (a) determine the number of children and adolescents with complex communication needs between the ages of 3 and 21 years who attended special education preschools and schools in Israel; and (b) to probe characteristics of this population's educational programs, especially with respect to AAC interventions and equipment use. Of the 5430 students enrolled in 183 special education preschool and school settings, responses were received for 73% of the children, of whom about 40% were reported to have complex communication needs. It is anticipated that the results of the study will provide guidance with respect to (a) establishing intervention strategies for children in need of AAC, (b) identifying the type and number of training programs required by AAC professionals, and (c) establishing a more equitable allocation of resources for AAC purposes from the national health and education budgets.KeywordsAugmentative and alternative communication (AAC)DemographicsIntellectual disabilityCerebral palsyProfessional training