title: Social participation of school-aged children who use communication aids: the views of children and parents.
abstract: Social participation is crucial for children's development and well-being; however, little is known about the social participation of children who use communication aids. This article presents findings from interviews with eight 5- to 14-year-old children who used communication aids and their parents about social participation, communicative interactions, and peer relationships. Video- and audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis, and five themes were identified. Two themes reflect parents' views: Communication partners and strategies and Access to aided communication. Three themes reflect perceptions expressed both by children and parents: Participation in society, Interaction opportunities, and Social relationships. The findings provide insights into both the achievements and the challenges experienced by young people who use aided communication.
authors.affiliation: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario , Canada.
authors.forename: Beata
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Batorowicz
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: von Tetzchner
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Missiuna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058992:Social Participation
keywords: Aided communication; Augmentative and alternative communication; Children; Complex communication needs; Interview; Participation