Communication Modes and Functions in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Purpose This study seeks to determine how speech-language impairments relate to the frequency and diversity of communication modes and functions produced by children with cerebral palsy (CP) during interactions with their mothers. Method We studied 40 children with CP ( M age = 62 months) comprising three groups: those who were unable to speak and had anarthria ( n = 15), those with speech motor impairment and language comprehension impairment (SMI-LCI; n = 15), and those with speech motor impairment and typical language comprehension (SMI-LCT; n = 10). Mother–child play interactions were coded for child modes and functions. Generalized linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between profile group and frequencies of communication modes and functions. Results Results indicated groups SMI-LCI and SMI-LCT had significantly higher mean frequencies of vocalizations, vocalizations + gestures, comments, initiations, and requests than the group of those who were unable to speak and had anarthria. All children used vocalizations primarily, though these vocalizations were often not understood. SMI-LCI and SMI-LCT differed on two measures: frequency of gestures and frequency of initiations. The majority of children in this sample did not have access to augmentative and alternative communication devices. Conclusion Results of this study highlight the need for parent-mediated interventions for children with CP that emphasize multimodal communication tailored to impairment profiles. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12354704

Clinical utilisation of the Infant Monitor of vocal Production (IMP) for early identification of communication impairment in young infants at-risk of cerebral palsy: a prospective cohort study

“…Our understanding of communication impairment associated with CP has, therefore, been based primarily on profiles of children ≥2 years of age. 5,8,9,28,29 One reason for the lack of data for <2 years of age is that historically CP has been diagnosed between 12 and 24 months of age. 30 However, in 2017, international clinical practice guidelines 31,32 have enabled accurate early identification of CP before 6 months, and as early as 3 months corrected age, using a combination of standardized measures of early motor ability with predictive capabilities, such as the General Movement Assessment, 33 and clinical reasoning.…”

Nursing Practice and Care Structure for Children and Their Families in Need of Pediatric Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Japan

“…In the current study, there was a high level of practice in capturing verbal and nonverbal child complaints. There is a possibility that nonverbal communication is carried out in daily care in the field of pediatric nursing, such as care for children in the process of language development 17 and care for severely retarded children who have difficulty expressing linguistically 18,19 . This study showed that the level of practice for physical pain was high, but simultaneously, it became clear that the ratio of using an assessment scale tailored to the specific child was low.…”

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