A new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages pediatricians to actively help patients obtain and use vital AAC devices.
“Prescribing Assistive Technology: Focus on Children With Complex Communication Needs” was published by the Academy this past June. Not only does it describe AAC technology, the assessment process and training needed, but it also emphasizes the role of the pediatrician in getting children the devices they need. Doctors, the study says, can also help parents understand the role AAC plays in helping non-verbal children to communicate more effectively.
The report counseled pediatricians to be more proactive in prescribing augmentative and alternative communication devices to their young patients who are non-verbal and/or have complex communication needs. These children include some with “cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, congenital anomalies, deafness, intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, severe speech disorders (e.g., dyspraxia, childhood apraxia of speech), and genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome or Rett syndrome.”
Currently, as many as 25% of children with complex communication needs don’t have access to the devices they require. The report finds that this shortfall is due to several factors including the ableism of some providers.
“It is vital that physicians recognize whatever implicit biases they may harbor, acknowledging that diversity is desirable in all its forms,” reads the report. “It can feel overwhelming to address these complex issues, but abdicating this duty to others is its own form of ableism we must combat.”
Another reason why many children don’t have AAC devices is due to the expense of some of these devices and the common misconception that all AAC products are too complex for them and their children to learn to use. In response, the AAP called on pediatricians to advocate for AAC devices to be covered by Medicaid and stressed that not all communicators are prohibitively expensive or excessively complicated.
“AAC is often erroneously thought to refer only to complex electronic devices,” says the report. “Although these advanced devices may be the most appropriate choice for some children, these should be carefully selected on the basis of individual patient needs. Access to powerful technologies has improved for children with complex communication needs, in part because of the widespread availability of mobile technology. The prevalence of said technology has also driven down costs, thus permitting its greater availability for children with limited resources.”
The report also encouraged doctors to work together with parents, teachers and other health professionals such as speech language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and assistive technologists to ensure that patients receive necessary and appropriate therapies and devices.
If you, your child’s pediatrician, teacher or therapist has identified a need for AAC, but you’re not sure how to get started, the experts at Enabling Devices can help. We carry a large variety of communicators that range in price and match your child’s needs and abilities. You can start by reading our blog on Types of AAC Devices, or call or email us for assistance choosing a device.
