USE OF AN ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A CHILD WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Efficacy of using an Alternate and Augmentative Communication (AAC) method as a language facilitation technique with a child who presents with flaccid dysarthria due to paraplegic cerebral palsy (CP).
STUDY DESIGN
The study design is a Single Subject Case Study.
METHODOLOGY
A 6 year old boy with CP coming for speech-language therapy since September, 2016. Communications board (a low-tech AAC); along with MAKATON Pakistan (an unaided AAC) were the AAC systems used with the child. The child was taught to use it by way of modeling, and through motor and speech imitation. The clinicians and the supervisor ensured that the caregiver was taught how to use the communication board, for its generalization at home.
RESULTS
Using AAC systems with children diagnosed as having age appropriate or near age appropriate cognitive abilities with cerebral palsy manifesting flaccid dysarthria of speech; is an effective and efficient method of developing successful communicative behaviors.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that in light of the positive prognosis observed in the IB’s overall communicative abilities, despite the lack of early intervention, the decision of using a combination of AAC methods with a child diagnosed with CP has proven to be a successful one.