title: Using MINSPEAK: a case study of a preschool child with complex communication needs.
abstract: Young children with complex communication needs require the best possible start to their educational lives, and for some, this will involve the use of communication technology supports and collaborative teams. This case study describes the outcomes of a pilot investigation that utilised MINSPEAK as a means of enhancing emergent language and literacy skills in a young girl with a range of participatory challenges. Results indicated that when family members and educational teams work together, it is possible to achieve important progress in early language skills using relevant software, systematic teaching and an accessible speech generating device (SGD). The implications of this modest case study are discussed in terms of innovative practice amongst collaborative alternative and augmentative communication teams.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Speech Pathology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Callagham, Australia. bernice.mathisen@newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: Bernice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mathisen
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arthur-Kelly
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kidd
authors.forename: Chantelle
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nissen
mesh_terms: D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*