CCN: What are complex communication needs?

Summary

This presentation by Developmental Disability WA explores complex communication needs in individuals with disabilities. Some people may struggle to speak, understand others, or process language, often requiring alternative communication methods like sign language, communication devices, or visual aids. The presentation debunks common myths about these methods, emphasizing that AAC tools don't hinder speech development and can support better communication. It encourages families and caregivers to seek assistance from speech therapists and use inclusive strategies to enhance communication for those with complex needs.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Complex communication needs refer to challenges in speech, language understanding, or expression faced by some individuals with disabilities.
• 🔍 Individuals with complex communication needs may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding others, and they may require additional support.
• 🤔 It's crucial to recognize complex communication needs to improve quality of life and prevent challenging behaviors that can arise from unmet communication needs.
• 🛠️ Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools and strategies can assist individuals with complex communication needs to understand and express themselves.
• 👤 Personal communication systems can be developed using facial expressions, voice, and body language, which are natural forms of communication.
• 📱 Technology such as iPad apps, communication devices with touchscreens, and gaze-based systems can be utilized to support communication.
• 👶 Starting with AAC early can be beneficial, and it does not hinder natural speech development; in fact, it can enhance it.
• 📚 Visual supports like symbols, photos, and communication books are valuable for individuals with speech, even if they can already speak.
• 🚫 Debunking myths is important, including the idea that complex disabilities equate to severe intellectual disabilities or that visual supports are unnecessary for those with some speech.
• 💡 Seeking professional help from speech therapists and engaging with support groups can be instrumental in implementing effective communication strategies.

Q & A

What is a developmental disability as described in the script?

A developmental disability is a condition that affects a person's physical, learning, language, or behavioral abilities and is due to an impairment in physical or mental development. It can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties in communication, understanding, and expressing oneself.

Why is it important to recognize complex communication needs in individuals with disabilities?

Recognizing complex communication needs is crucial for improving the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and preventing challenging behaviors that may arise from unmet communication needs.

What are some ways to help people with complex communication needs to understand language or express themselves?

Ways to help include using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, learning to respond to their natural communication methods, employing sign language, utilizing communication books, apps, devices with touchscreens, and switches for those unable to touch screens.

How can we support someone who communicates differently from the norm?

Support can be provided by learning to respond to their communication methods, using sign language, and employing AAC tools such as communication books, apps, and devices that facilitate expression and understanding.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how does it help?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to a range of tools and strategies used to help people with complex communication needs to express themselves and understand others. It includes sign language, communication books, apps, devices with touchscreens, and more.

What are some myths about people with complex communication needs that the script addresses?

The script addresses myths such as the assumption that physical disability equates to severe intellectual disability, that using AAC will hinder speech development, that visual supports are unnecessary if someone has some speech, and that certain skills are needed to benefit from visual communication tools.

How does the script challenge the myth that using visual supports will slow down speech development?

The script clarifies that research shows using communication supports, including visual aids, does not slow down or stop speech development; in fact, it can facilitate faster development.

What does the script suggest about the necessity of visual supports for those with some speech?

The script suggests that even people with some speech might need visual supports to help them process information more effectively and to aid in expressing themselves more fully.

How does the script dispel the idea that people need to demonstrate certain skills to benefit from visual communication tools?

The script explains that the candidacy model, which suggests people need to demonstrate certain skills to benefit from visual communication tools, is outdated and not supported by current research.

What advice does the script offer for those looking to support individuals with complex communication needs?

The script advises seeking help from a speech therapist experienced in complex communication needs, contacting organizations like Augmentative and Alternative Communication Australia (AGOFsky), and discussing communication goals with an NDIS planner.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Understanding Complex Communication Needs

This paragraph discusses developmental disabilities and the challenges faced by individuals with complex communication needs. It explains that some people with disabilities may not be able to speak or find the right words to express themselves, while others might have difficulty understanding speech or maintaining attention during conversations. The importance of recognizing these needs is highlighted, as unmet communication needs can lead to challenging behaviors. The paragraph introduces the concept of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as a tool to help these individuals understand language or express themselves. It also emphasizes the potential of each person to communicate, even if they have not been able to do so in the past, and the importance of not giving up on them.

05:03

📚 Debunking Myths and Supporting Communication

The second paragraph addresses common myths surrounding individuals with complex communication needs. It refutes the belief that physical disabilities automatically equate to severe intellectual disabilities and limited communication capacity. The paragraph also counters the idea that using visual communication tools like pictures or signs will hinder speech development, instead suggesting that such tools can actually facilitate more rapid speech development. It challenges the notion that certain skills are required to benefit from visual communication tools, stating that all individuals can benefit from AAC regardless of their current abilities. The paragraph concludes by encouraging the provision of a rich array of communication symbols and tools, rather than limiting options, to better support individuals with complex communication needs.

Keywords

💡Developmental Disability

Developmental disability refers to a group of chronic conditions that appear during the developmental period and are characterized by impairments in physical, learning, language, or cognitive skills. In the context of the video, it is used to describe individuals who may have complex communication needs due to such disabilities. The script mentions that some people with developmental disabilities might not be able to speak or have difficulty understanding speech, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these communication challenges.

💡Complex Communication Needs

Complex communication needs encompass a wide range of challenges that individuals may face in their ability to express themselves or understand others. The video script highlights that these needs can manifest in various ways, such as being unable to speak, having difficulty finding the right words, or struggling with attention and language processing. Understanding and addressing these needs are crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

💡Nonverbal

Nonverbal communication is a mode of communication that does not involve words, such as using body language, facial expressions, or sounds to convey messages. The script discusses how some individuals with disabilities may be nonverbal, meaning they cannot use speech to communicate. It also suggests that these individuals might use alternative forms of nonverbal communication to express themselves, which underscores the need for caregivers and supporters to be attuned to these cues.

💡AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

AAC is a system of communication that helps individuals with speech or language impairments to express themselves. The script mentions various tools and strategies under AAC, such as communication devices, sign language, and visual supports, which are designed to assist people with complex communication needs. The video emphasizes the importance of AAC in enabling these individuals to communicate more effectively and participate more fully in social interactions.

💡Communication Support

Communication support refers to the assistance provided to individuals who have difficulty communicating, which can include the use of AAC devices, sign language, or other strategies. The video script discusses how providing communication support is vital for individuals with complex needs, as it can help them better understand language and express themselves, leading to improved quality of life and reduced challenging behaviors.

💡Sign Language

Sign language is a visual-gestural language used by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the script, sign language is mentioned as one of the methods to support communication for people with disabilities who may not be able to speak or understand spoken language. It is a form of nonverbal communication that can be learned and used to facilitate communication for those with complex needs.

💡Pod Communication Books

Pod communication books are tools that use visual symbols or images to represent words or phrases, aiding individuals with communication difficulties to express themselves. The video script suggests using pod communication books as part of an AAC strategy, allowing individuals to point to symbols to communicate their needs or desires, which can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with speech or language processing.

💡Visual Supports

Visual supports are materials or strategies that use visual cues to aid in communication or learning. The script explains that visual supports, such as symbols, photos, or other images, can be beneficial for individuals with complex communication needs, as they provide a持久 and clear means of communication that can be processed at the individual's own pace. These supports are not just for those who cannot speak but also for those who need additional time to process spoken language.

💡Myths

The script addresses several myths about complex communication needs, such as the belief that nonverbal individuals have limited intellectual capacity or that using visual communication tools will hinder speech development. These myths can lead to underestimating the potential of individuals with disabilities and not providing them with the appropriate support and tools they need to communicate effectively. Debunking these myths is essential for advancing understanding and improving support for people with complex communication needs.

💡Candidacy Model

The candidacy model is an outdated approach that suggests individuals must demonstrate certain skills or abilities before they can benefit from AAC. The video script refutes this model, citing research that shows individuals with disabilities can benefit from AAC regardless of their current skill levels. This concept is important in the video's message, as it challenges the notion that support should be limited based on preconceived notions of an individual's capabilities.

💡NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

NDIS is an Australian government program that provides support to individuals with disabilities. The script encourages viewers to discuss communication goals with their NDIS planner, highlighting the role of NDIS in facilitating access to resources and services that can help address complex communication needs. This keyword is significant as it connects the video's discussion to real-world support systems and resources available to individuals with disabilities.

Highlights

People with developmental disabilities may have complex communication needs, which can include being nonverbal or having difficulty understanding spoken language.

Anxiety can exacerbate the challenges in understanding language for some individuals with disabilities.

Unmet communication needs can lead to challenging behaviors, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these needs.

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools can be used to help people with complex communication needs.

Individuals often have a natural communication system, such as using facial expressions, voice, or body language.

Learning to respond to a person's natural communication methods can help build on their abilities.

Sign language and communication books are among the various AAC tools that can be utilized.

Technology, such as iPad apps and communication devices with touchscreens, can assist in communication for those with complex needs.

Switches can be used for those who cannot touch a screen, and gaze devices can be employed for those who cannot touch or look.

Even individuals with severe disabilities can benefit from communication systems with the right support.

Myth busting: Complex disabilities do not necessarily equate to severe intellectual disabilities or limited communication capacity.

Using visual supports like pictures or signs does not hinder speech development; research indicates it can actually facilitate it.

Visual supports can aid in understanding spoken language and help non-verbal individuals express themselves more effectively.

The candidacy model, which suggests individuals need specific skills to benefit from visual communication tools, has been debunked by research.

Providing a larger number of symbols in communication tools can enhance engagement rather than limiting it to a few words.

Speech therapists with experience in complex communication needs can offer guidance on utilizing AAC effectively.

Agofsky is a national group in Australia that promotes the participation of people with complex communication needs.

The NDIS planner should be informed about communication goals for individuals with complex communication needs.

The presentation was produced by Developmental Disability WA and narrated by Jackie Mills, featuring individuals with lived experiences.

Transcripts

this is a developmental disability

Western Australia presentation exploring

what our complex communication needs

some people with disability can't speak

they might be able to make sounds which

have meaning but they can't say many

words these people used to be called

nonverbal some people can speak but they

can't always find the right words to say

what they really want to say some people

whether or not they can speak have

difficulty understanding what other

people say others might be able to speak

and understand well enough but have

trouble paying attention to you or

processing language for some people

anxiety can make understanding language

so much harder they may need more

communication support when they feel

stressed having convex communication

needs means you might not be able to

communicate through speech or that you

might need help to understand what other

people say it's very important that we

can recognize when somebody has complex

communication needs not just for their

quality of life but also because having

unmet communication needs can result in

challenging behaviors so how can we help

people who have complex communication

needs we can find ways to help people to

understand language or to express

themselves the tools we use to help

people with complex communication needs

a core dog meant ative and alternative

communication or AAC for example most

people already have some kind of

communication system they've designed

themselves just using their face their

voice and their body if you know

somebody with a disability and you

aren't sure if they communicate you can

start by thinking about how they let you

know what they like they might not use

words to let you know they love chalk

it but most people do have a way of

saying I like this or I don't like this

that's communication we can help people

to build on their natural communication

by learning how to respond to them I

think Dan here has something to say we

can also learn to use sign language

other ways we can support people to

communicate include pod communication

books we can use apps on iPads we can

use communication devices which have a

touchscreen and the computer says the

word the person touches we can also use

switches to activate communication

devices if the person can't touch the

screen themselves we can use I gaze

devices where the computer says the word

the person looks at there are also

systems available for people with vision

impairment even people who can't look or

touch can use communication systems if

their supporters are given training in

how to be effective communication

partners if this sounds exciting to you

well we think it is - a lot has changed

for people with complex communication

needs and we know a lot more now about

how to help them

are you wondering if the person you know

could be supported to use AAC the answer

is yes

nobody is too disabled to get support to

understand what others say or to

communicate using language let's talk

about some myths about people who have

complex communication needs the first

myth is that having a complex disability

where you cannot control your body means

that you therefore have a severe

intellectual disability and limited

capacity to communicate in fact it's

difficult to get proper evidence of the

understanding or potential of a person

with complex communication needs we

shouldn't give up on these people we

know a lot more now about how to support

them and if

communication has failed in the past it

might be worth having another go with

some of the new strategies and tools

available another myth is that using

pictures signs or objects to help a

child to communicate will slow down or

stop their speech from developing this

is a common concern for parents but in

fact the research shows that using

communication supports never slows down

or stops speech development and can

actually make it develop more quickly

another myth is that symbols photos and

other visual supports are not needed if

the person has some speech in fact just

because you can talk that doesn't mean

you can understand everything that other

people say some people just need more

processing time to understand spoken

language and if you think about how

quickly spoken words appear then

disappear when we use visual supports

they can stay long enough for the

person's brain to process the

information some people who can't talk

find that having visual supports also

helps them to say more of the things

they want to say another myth is that

people need to demonstrate certain

skills to be able to benefit from visual

communication tools this is an old idea

called the candidacy model and research

has shown it isn't true

people with disability don't have to

prove that they can do anything to be

able to benefit from AAC

the last myth is that it's better to

start small sometimes people look at

communication books and apps and think

there are too many words you would think

so but the research actually says it's

better to provide more symbols than the

person is able to use in fact people are

less able to engage in AAC is only given

a few words so now we know more about

AAC and complex communication needs how

do we get started you can ask for help

from a speech therapist with experience

working with people with complex

communication needs

you could also

contact agofsky an inclusive australian

national group interested in enhancing

the participation of all people with

complex communication needs you can tell

your NDIS planner about your

communication goals this presentation

was produced by developmental disability

W a narrated by Jackie Mills we'd like

to thank merger of Mines Perth and

models Eli Dickenson Paul J Eamonn

guilfoyle George Lilly and Daniel nan