"A Two-Way Street": Experiences of Parents of Children With Autism Learning to Support Communication Access

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: Beyond the Spectrum: The Promises of Autistic Ability

Abstract

This paper looks at the ways that parents articulated and demonstrated using strategies learned through a coaching process on how to seek out and provide supports for interaction through their children’s use of AAC. Nine parent-child pairs participated in a coaching process to increase opportunities and support meaningful engagement using an AAC device. Interviews with parents and transcripts of coaching sessions were qualitatively analyzed to understand parent perspectives on this process and the ways they incorporated the strategies taught into their communicative interactions with their children with autism learning to use a range of AAC systems. The paper highlights parent perspectives on: communication in school, interaction as a skill to practice, communication access and competence, and empowerment for the future.

Authors

• Fernanda Orsati, Mackenzie Presbyterian University

• Casey Woodfield, Rowan University