Hh. Mar et N. Sall, Profiles of the expressive communication skills of children and adolescents with severe cognitive disabilities, EDUC TRAIN, 34(1), 1999, pp. 77-89
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Rehabilitation
Journal title
EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN MENTAL RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
This study examined communication behaviors of children and adolescents wit
h severe cognitive disabilities. Communication samples of 103 participants
with severe or profound mental retardation, ages 3 to 15 years, were obtain
ed through natural observations and structured one-to-one interactions. The
communication samples were analyzed to determine primary expressive forms
of communication, as well as degrees to which use of symbols, intentionalit
y, social reciprocity, and complexity were apparent. From these data, seven
Communication Profiles were distinguished to characterize levels of commun
icative competence within this population, ranging from basic reactions to
complex interactions. Differences were noted in the patterns of communicati
on forms and profiles between participants with severe versus profound ment
al retardation, but age differences (older versus younger individuals) were
not observed. The potential use of the Communication Profiles as a concept
ual framework to assess functional communication skills and consider meanin
gful intervention goals was discussed.