title: An ecological method for the sampling of nonverbal signalling behaviours of young children with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) are a complex range of disabilities that affect the general health and well-being of the individual and their capacity to interact and learn.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a new methodology to capture the non-symbolic signalling behaviours of children with PMLD within the context of a face-to-face interaction with a caregiver to provide analysis at a micro-level of descriptive detail incorporating the use of the ELAN digital video software.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The signalling behaviours of participants in a natural, everyday interaction can be better understood with the use of this innovation in methodology, which is predicated on the ecology of communication. Recognition of the developmental ability of the participants is an integral factor within that ecology. The method presented establishes an advanced account of the modalities through which a child affected by PMLD is able to communicate.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Applied Linguistics and Communication , Birkbeck, University of London , London , UK.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Atkin
authors.affiliation: a Department of Applied Linguistics and Communication , Birkbeck, University of London , London , UK.
authors.forename: Marjorie Perlman
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Lorch
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017028:Caregivers; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D004463:Ecology; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D012984:Software; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: Behavioural data sampling; ecological validity; non-verbal communication; profound and multiple learning disabilities; qualitative research method