Pushing the Outside of the Envelope: A study of communicative competence among children using augmentative communication and their partners

Abstract

Clinicians working in the field of augmentative and alternative communication require a theoretical framework to inform their therapeutic intervention. Such a model is vital if speech and language therapy is to be effective in facilitating individuals who are non-speaking to achieve their communicative potential. This study focused on: (1) the compensatory strategies which non-speaking children use in order to maximise their communicative effectiveness, and (2) the behaviour patterns favoured by their partners. Light’s (1989) model of communicative competence for individuals who use augmentative communication provides the theoretical framework for this study. Six children aged between 8.03yrs. and 12.10yrs. were videotaped interacting with a familiar communication partner in two contexts: general conversation (Context A) and communicating novel information (Context B). Results suggest that partner variables play a more significant role than Light’s original model suggested, although the child’s competence is also affected by the language made available to him/her. Theoretical and therapeutic implications are considered.