Adaptation to Technology Use in Families of Children With Complex Communication Needs: An Integrative Review and Family Theory Application
Journal of Family Nursing
West, P., Van Riper, M., et al. (2020).
Journal of Family Nursing, 26(2), 153-178.
This systematic review investigates the use of augmentative and alternative communication in children with complex communication needs and their families.
No funding received
Not stated
Peer-reviewed, published original studies of any design
33; 20 qualitative studies and 13 quantitative studies
When families of children with complex communication needs were asked about their perspectives on adapting to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use, they identified both an increase of demands, supports, and coping strategies. Demands that impeded the adoption of AAC use included emotional and physical demands resulting from the disability, technology challenges or limitations, the time required to learn AAC, lack of multidisciplinary support, financial limitations, lack of AAC support from professionals, and limited cultural and social awareness of AAC. Parents reported an increase in the roles they played for their children including caregiver, teacher, playmate, therapist, technical support, and advocate. Supports and coping strategies that improved family adaptation to AAC use included spousal supports, routines, smaller household size, greater family income, respect for professionals, and becoming an advocate and an educated AAC consumer.
