As a practitioner in the field of speech-language pathology, understanding how to effectively communicate with children who have complex communication needs is paramount. A recent study titled Eina! Ouch! Eish! Professionals’ Perceptions of How Children with Cerebral Palsy Communicate About Pain in South African School Settings: Implications for the use of AAC offers valuable insights that can help improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
Key Findings from the Study
The study highlights that professionals in South African schools primarily observe pain in children with cerebral palsy through:
- Bodily expressions such as sweating, shallow breathing, and unintended facial changes.
- Behavioral changes including altered participation in activities, clownish behavior, and attempts to evade responsibilities.
- Non-verbal and verbal messages, where children might communicate pain through vocalizations, specific phrases, or by using AAC strategies like communication boards.
Challenges Identified
Despite the clear benefits of using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods, the study found that these were rarely implemented. This gap highlights the need for better training and resources for professionals to effectively use AAC strategies. Additionally, the multilingual context of South African schools poses a unique challenge, where children might not understand the language of instruction, complicating pain communication further.
Recommendations for Practitioners
Based on the study's findings, here are some recommendations to improve communication with children who have cerebral palsy:
- Implement AAC Strategies: Incorporate communication boards and speech-generating devices to help children express their pain more effectively.
- Use Multilingual Approaches: Utilize culturally sensitive picture symbols and consider the linguistic backgrounds of the children.
- Training and Support: Provide ongoing training for school professionals on the benefits and usage of AAC to improve pain communication.
- Observe and Validate: Regularly observe children’s non-verbal cues and validate their pain experiences through direct communication and self-report methods.
Encouraging Further Research
The study underscores the need for more research into the use of AAC in multilingual and diverse school settings. By expanding our understanding, we can better equip professionals to meet the complex communication needs of children with cerebral palsy.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Eina! Ouch! Eish! Professionals’ Perceptions of How Children with Cerebral Palsy Communicate About Pain in South African School Settings: Implications for the use of AAC.
