The Loneliness Experiences of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy who use Alternative and Augmentative Communication

Abstract

Young adults with cerebral palsy who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems may be at increased risk of loneliness due to the additional challenges they experience with communication. Six young adults, aged 24-30 years, who used AAC and had cerebral palsy, participated in in-depth interviews to explore their experiences of loneliness as they made the transition into adulthood. A total of five major themes in the data were identified using the constant comparative method of analysis. Three of these themes were discussed by all participants: (a) Support Networks, (b) AAC System Use, and (c) Technology. The authors concluded that these three themes were most important in understanding the experiences of loneliness of the young adults with cerebral palsy who participated in this study.

Communicative Competence for Individuals who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A New Definition for a New Era of Communication?

“…Individuals with complex communication needs may encounter policy and practice barriers that are systemic within society and serve to limit their communication opportunities and therefore their development of communicative competence (Cooper, Balandin, & Trembath, 2009;Stancliffe et al, 2010). Policy barriers result from offi cial laws, standards, or regulations, whereas practice barriers result from conventional procedures within schools, work settings, or society that may not be offi cially documented but are accepted practice (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013).…”

‘They think I’m really cool and nice’: The impact of Internet support on the social networks and loneliness of young people with disabilities

“…The impact of Internet support on the social networks and loneliness of young people with disabilities loneliness due to limited communication abilities (Cooper et al 2009). This can be due to many personal and environmental factors including increased reliance on family and paid caregivers to access social situations resulting in limited opportunities for young people with disabilities to develop friendships (Blum et al 1991).…”

Learning to use the Internet and online social media: What is the effectiveness of home-based intervention for youth with complex communication needs?

“…This highlights the necessity of communication for social participation (Batorowicz et al, 2006). Young adults with CCN (aged 24-30, Cooper et al, 2009) and older adults aged 40-69 (Balandin et al, 2006) may also be at higher risk of loneliness. This research highlights the urgent need to address the issues of reduced social networks and loneliness in individuals with CCN across the lifespan.…”