Factors Associated with the Participation of Children with Complex Communication Needs

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Factors Associated with the Participation of Children with Complex Communication Needs
Language: English
Authors: Clarke, M. T., Newton, C., Griffiths, T.
Source: Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal. Mar-Apr 2011 32(2):774-780.
Availability: Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Children, Disabilities, Assistive Technology, Influences, Participation, Activities, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Psychological Patterns, Self Efficacy, Child Behavior, Caregivers, Surveys
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2010.11.002
ISSN: 0891-4222
Abstract: The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary analysis of relations between child and environmental variables, including factors related to communication aid provision, and participation in informal everyday activities in a sample of children with complex communication needs. Ninety-seven caregivers of children provided with communication aids responded to a questionnaire survey. Child variables assessed were level of ability, trait emotional self-efficacy, and competence in communication aid use. Environmental variables assessed were the impact of childhood disability on the family, family socio-economic category, perceived reliability of electronic communication aids provided to children, and ease of use of the aid. The outcome measure was the intensity of child participation in informal activities. Significant correlations were observed between participation scores and the following variables: child age, level of ability, trait emotional self-efficacy, and family impact of childhood disability. Regression analyses highlighted trait emotional self-efficacy and, to a lesser degree, family impact of childhood disability as the strongest potential predictors of participation. While aspects of child personality may be difficult to disentangle from behaviours related to disability type or developmental age, this research highlights a clinical requirement to assess systematically child behaviours relating to their general emotional functioning. (Contains 4 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2011
Accession Number: EJ915779
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary analysis of relations between child and environmental variables, including factors related to communication aid provision, and participation in informal everyday activities in a sample of children with complex communication needs. Ninety-seven caregivers of children provided with communication aids responded to a questionnaire survey. Child variables assessed were level of ability, trait emotional self-efficacy, and competence in communication aid use. Environmental variables assessed were the impact of childhood disability on the family, family socio-economic category, perceived reliability of electronic communication aids provided to children, and ease of use of the aid. The outcome measure was the intensity of child participation in informal activities. Significant correlations were observed between participation scores and the following variables: child age, level of ability, trait emotional self-efficacy, and family impact of childhood disability. Regression analyses highlighted trait emotional self-efficacy and, to a lesser degree, family impact of childhood disability as the strongest potential predictors of participation. While aspects of child personality may be difficult to disentangle from behaviours related to disability type or developmental age, this research highlights a clinical requirement to assess systematically child behaviours relating to their general emotional functioning. (Contains 4 tables.)
ISSN:0891-4222
DOI:10.1016/j.ridd.2010.11.002