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Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Severe Motor Impairment

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Cerebral Palsy

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Abstract

Children with severe motor impairment often have complex communication disorders, which, in the absence of appropriate intervention, will influence their development and their participation in all aspects of life. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention is based on the child’s potential rather than on their impairment. A multimodal general communication system (GCS) is needed, based on both the natural “unaided” means of communication and the use of “aided” communication tools. The GCS will need to be constantly adapted over time, according to the changes in the individual’s interpersonal communication and participation needs, in the different contexts of their everyday life education, employment, leisure time, independent living, etc. The AAC project, with the active involvement and approval of the person with complex communication needs (CCN), their family and caregivers, is implemented within the ICF participation model. A longitudinal approach to AAC intervention and its integration with the general rehabilitation project is necessary. Guidelines for the general assessment (communication, movement, language) and the different AAC intervention phases are described briefly, starting with communication in early childhood

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Notes

  1. 1.

    AbleNet, Inc., Roseville, MN (USA), https://www.ablenetinc.com/

  2. 2.

    Crick Software Ltd., Northampton (UK), https://www.cricksoft.com

  3. 3.

    Widgit Software, Cubbington (UK), https://www.widgit.com

  4. 4.

    Blissymbol Communication, Oxford (UK), http://www.blissymbols.co.uk

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. AAC Service of Benedetta d’Intino Centre, Milan, Italy

    Gabriella Veruggio

  2. Rehabilitation Department, Degli Infermi Hospital, Ponderano (Biella), Italy

    Monica Panella

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  1. Gabriella Veruggio
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  2. Monica Panella
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  1. DIBRIS, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

    Psiche Giannoni

  2. DSS, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Liliana Zerbino

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Veruggio, G., Panella, M. (2022). Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Severe Motor Impairment. In: Giannoni, P., Zerbino, L. (eds) Cerebral Palsy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85619-9_12

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