week 8

Question 1

What are Complex Communication Needs (CCN)?

Answer 1

CCN is an umbrella term for people who do not primarily use spoken language to communicate due to speech, language, cognitive, or physical difficulties. It involves the use of alternative communication methods and makes interactions more complex.

Question 2

What are the four main functions of communication according to Light (1988)?

Answer 2

1. Expressing wants and needs
   
   2. Information transfer
   3. Social closeness
   4. Social etiquette

Question 3

Why is communicative competence important?

Answer 3

It allows individuals to express identity, build relationships, influence their environment, and maintain autonomy over their lives.

Question 4

What is communicative competence?

Answer 4

The ability to meet communication goals through sufficient knowledge, judgment, and skills—defined by personal needs and contexts.

Question 5

What are the 4 components of communicative competence (Light & McNaughton, 2014)?

Answer 5

1. Linguistic – Understanding/using language
   
   2. Operational – Producing communication (speech, sign, device)
   3. Social – Using communication appropriately
   4. Strategic – Overcoming communication barriers

Question 6

What psychosocial factors influence communicative competence?

Answer 6

Motivation, confidence, enthusiasm, resilience, and personal values about communication.

Question 7

What causes CCN?

Answer 7

Speech, language, cognitive, physical, sensory, or medical impairments (e.g., autism, aphasia, disability) that limit spoken communication.

Question 8

How do environmental factors impact people with CCN?

Answer 8

Partner attitudes, skills, communication availability, layout, technology, resources, and policies affect success in communication.

Question 9

What are the 4 stages of communication development in adults with CCN?

Answer 9

1. Unintentional Passive
   
   2. Unintentional Active
   3. Intentional Informal (pre-symbolic)
   4. Intentional Formal (symbolic)

Question 10

What is the difference between intentional and unintentional communication?

Answer 10

Unintentional: No goal to influence others, based on partner interpretation.
Intentional: Purposeful communication, either non-symbolic (gestures) or symbolic (language/symbols).

Question 11

What is Functional Behaviour Analysis (FBA)?

Answer 11

A behaviourist approach that analyses Antecedents, Behaviour, and Consequences (ABC) to understand and manage challenging behaviours.

Question 12

What is Functional Communication Training (FCT)?

Answer 12

Replacing challenging behaviours with safer, acceptable communication methods that still meet the same needs. Requires consistent reinforcement.

Question 13

Why must replacement behaviours in FCT be easy?

Answer 13

Because humans naturally use the most efficient communication method. If it’s too complex, the behaviour won’t be adopted.

Question 14

Give one example of an ABC analysis from the Jeremy case.

Answer 14

Bright lights & noise in shop
B: Jeremy bangs head
C: Group leaves the supermarket (reinforces the behaviour)

Question 15

What are the links between the two audio guides for Topic 8.1?

Answer 15

The audio guides cover key areas:
* Communicative Competence – Discusses the essential skills for effective communication in people with CCN.
* Variety in Human Communication – Explores different communication stages and how individuals with CCN express themselves.

Question 16

What is the difference between unintentional passive and unintentional active communicators?

Answer 16

• Unintentional Passive: Reacts to stimuli but does not act intentionally on the environment (e.g., crying when uncomfortable).
  
  • Unintentional Active: Manipulates the environment to create or avoid stimuli (e.g., pushing things away to avoid discomfort).

Question 17

How do intentional informal communicators communicate?

Answer 17

Intentional informal communicators use non-verbal methods (like gestures or pointing) to influence others, without using symbols or formal language.

Question 18

How do intentional formal communicators differ from informal communicators?

Answer 18

Intentional formal communicators use symbols (e.g., words, pictures, signs) to represent concepts and communicate more complex messages.

Question 19

What are some examples of communication for each of the four groups in the reflection activity table?

Answer 19

1. Indicate preference (likes):
   ○ Unintentional Passive: Looks at preferred items.
   ○ Unintentional Active: Reaches for preferred items.
   ○ Intentional Informal: Points, smiles, vocalizes.
   ○ Intentional Formal: Says “I like that.”
   
   2. Indicate pain:
      ○ Unintentional Passive: Cries, touches painful area.
      ○ Unintentional Active: Cries, points to painful area.
      ○ Intentional Informal: Seeks comfort from others.
      ○ Intentional Formal: Describes pain with words or symbols.

Question 20

How do individuals with CCN express frustration or anger?

Answer 20

• Unintentional Passive: Cries, becomes restless.
  
  • Unintentional Active: Pushes away objects, throws things.
  • Intentional Informal: Brings frustrating item to a partner for help.
  • Intentional Formal: Says “this is stupid,” points to angry face symbol, or signs “angry.”

Question 21

What defines an unintentional communicator?

Answer 21

An unintentional communicator does not deliberately communicate messages. Their behaviors, like reactions to pain, discomfort, or sensory stimuli, are interpreted by others. They do not understand spoken language but may have unique responses (e.g., crying, flapping hands, humming) that are linked to their needs or feelings.

Question 22

How are personal communication dictionaries (PCDs) helpful?

Answer 22

PCDs are living documents that record an individual’s behaviors and their meanings. They help communication partners decode the person’s reactions, particularly when the person is unable to communicate using words or symbols. PCDs assist in providing consistent care and responding appropriately to needs like pain or enjoyment.

Question 23

What information is typically found in an About Me book?

Answer 23

An About Me book contains personal details, care needs, likes and dislikes, and background information. It can include daily routines, mealtime procedures, and preferences, and help unfamiliar caregivers or communication partners understand the individual’s communication behaviors and make better decisions about their care and activities.

Question 24

What is co-active participation in communication with unintentional communicators?

Answer 24

Co-active participation involves guiding or assisting the individual in exploring their environment. This might include helping them touch objects, feel different textures, or interact with sensory stimuli to increase sensory awareness and encourage communication through engagement.

Question 25

How can multi-sensory rooms support unintentional communicators?

Answer 25

Multi-sensory rooms are specialized spaces designed to stimulate the senses—touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. These environments can help unintentional communicators increase sensory awareness and change states (e.g., from calm to alert) through a range of sensory stimuli. They promote active participation and exploration.

Question 26

Why is speaking directly to unintentional communicators important?

Answer 26

Speaking directly to unintentional communicators: * Conveys respect, showing they are valued participants. * Promotes inclusion by acknowledging their presence. * Conveys non-verbal information through tone of voice (prosody), even if they don’t understand the words.

Question 27

What is Intensive Interaction, and how does it support unintentional communicators?

Answer 27

Intensive Interaction is a technique that helps build communication by mimicking the movements and sounds of the unintentional communicator. It fosters enjoyment, turn-taking, and relaxed interactions. It helps strengthen bonds and develops early communication skills through observation and mirroring.

Question 28

What are some goals for unintentional communicators?

Answer 28

For unintentional communicators, goals may include: * Increasing alertness and attention to the environment using sensory stimulation. * Developing cause-and-effect awareness (e.g., learning that pushing a button turns on a fan). * Consistency across communication partners to ensure clear and reliable interpretations of behaviors.

Question 29

What characterizes intentional informal communicators?

Answer 29

Intentional informal communicators deliberately use their behaviors to communicate. They use non-verbal signals (e.g., touch, eye gaze, vocalizations, movements) to convey messages, often related to immediate needs or feelings, but they do not use symbolic language (e.g., words, pictures, signs).

Question 30

How do objects of reference aid communication for intentional informal communicators?

Answer 30

Objects of reference are items linked to specific activities. For example, a cup may symbolize the act of drinking. These objects can be used to help the individual express needs (e.g., requesting a drink) by associating the object with a specific action or outcome. Over time, these objects become basic symbols.

Question 31

How can objects of reference be expanded into other communication tools?

Answer 31

Objects of reference can evolve into: * Choice boards (for selecting items or activities). * Visual timetables (showing the schedule for the day). * First-then boards (linking less preferred activities with more preferred ones, e.g., “first work, then play”).

Question 32

What are goals for intentional informal communicators?

Answer 32

Goals for intentional informal communicators include: * Expanding their communication repertoire (e.g., using more signals or gestures). * Increasing predictability in their communication, moving from idiosyncratic signals to more standard forms (e.g., using picture cards, signs). * Ensuring consistent communication routines across different environments to support understanding.

Question 33

What are some communication strategies for intentional informal communicators?

Answer 33

Strategies include: * Using simple speech and gestures. * Offering choices with real objects or object symbols. * Using consistent routines and cues to support understanding. * Responding consistently to all communication attempts to encourage further communication.

Question 34

What are rich communication situations, and how do they help intentional informal communicators?

Answer 34

Rich communication situations are those that: * Motivate the individual and are meaningful to them. * Encourage social interaction and participation. * Offer multiple opportunities for communication. For example, mealtimes can provide numerous opportunities to communicate through choices and social interactions.

Question 35

What is the focus of Goldbart & Caton (2010) in their report on communication strategies for early communicators?

Answer 35

Goldbart & Caton’s report explores strategies for working with early communicators with complex needs. It critiques the effectiveness of various approaches and provides evidence-based recommendations, which will be useful for discussions on communication techniques in assignments AT3 and AT4.

Question 36

How can Personal Communication Dictionaries (PCDs) help caregivers understand a communicator’s needs?

Answer 36

PCDs are detailed records of a person’s unique behaviors and what those behaviors mean. They help caregivers interpret non-verbal cues (e.g., specific sounds, gestures, or movements) and provide appropriate responses. This helps ensure consistent care and improves communication with unintentional communicators.

Question 37

What example behaviors might be included in a Personal Communication Dictionary (PCD) for Sally?

Answer 37

* Eyes open, breathing slows, and becomes still: Sally is relaxed or enjoying an activity. Continue the activity and note it in her diary. * Cries and rocks in her chair: Sally may be in pain. Reposition her or administer medication if necessary. * Grunts and pushes legs down on footplates: Sally might need to have a bowel motion or is experiencing wind. Check for changes. * Hums and makes a high-pitched sound while moving her head: Sally is likely doing this for amusement. Leave her or introduce a preferred activity.

Question 38

What is supported exploration and how does it benefit unintentional communicators?

Answer 38

Supported exploration is when caregivers guide unintentional communicators to interact with objects or stimuli in their environment. This helps increase sensory awareness and supports the development of communication by allowing the person to explore textures, sounds, and sensations with assistance.

Question 39

What is a multi-sensory room, and how does it support communication?

Answer 39

A multi-sensory room is designed to stimulate various senses, such as sight, touch, and sound. It creates a therapeutic environment where unintentional communicators can engage with different stimuli, helping to increase sensory awareness and change states (e.g., from calm to alert). This encourages active participation and exploration, promoting communication.

Question 40

What is Intensive Interaction, and how does it help develop communication?

Answer 40

Intensive Interaction is a technique that fosters communication by mimicking the movements, sounds, and behaviors of the individual. It encourages turn-taking, provides social engagement, and helps develop early communication skills through relaxed, enjoyable interactions. This method builds trust and promotes non-verbal communication.

Question 41

What are the goals for unintentional communicators?

Answer 41

Goals for unintentional communicators may include: * Increasing alertness and engagement through sensory stimulation. * Developing cause-and-effect awareness, such as learning that pressing a button can trigger an action (e.g., turning on a fan). * Ensuring consistent interpretation of behaviors across caregivers to improve communication and care quality.

Question 42

How does intensive interaction support intentional informal communicators?

Answer 42

Intensive interaction supports intentional informal communicators by helping them develop communication through reciprocal interactions. By mimicking and engaging in turn-taking with the person, it builds their communication repertoire and social interaction skills.

Question 43

What are goals for intentional informal communicators?

Answer 43

Goals for intentional informal communicators include: * Expanding their communication repertoire (e.g., using more gestures, sounds, or actions). * Making their communication more predictable by shaping their signals to standard forms, such as picture cards or signs. * Supporting consistent communication routines across various environments to aid understanding and participation.

Question 44

How can object symbols or objects of reference support communication?

Answer 44

Objects of reference are physical items associated with specific activities (e.g., a cup for drinking). They help individuals communicate by linking objects to their needs or desires. Over time, these objects can evolve into symbols representing more abstract concepts (e.g., a choice board or visual timetable), which support communication in daily activities.

Question 45

What are the benefits of using objects of reference in communication for intentional informal communicators?

Answer 45

Objects of reference support understanding by linking physical objects to specific concepts or activities. For example: * A cup may indicate the need for a drink. * Choice boards can help individuals select food or activities. * Visual timetables show the activities planned for the day, providing clarity and structure.

Question 46

What strategies help ensure effective communication with intentional informal communicators?

Answer 46

Effective strategies include: * Using simple speech and gestures. * Offering choices through objects, object symbols, or remnants. * Using consistent routines and cues to provide structure. * Responding consistently to all communication attempts to encourage further communication.

Question 47

What is the main focus of Goldbart & Caton (2010) in their report?

Answer 47

Goldbart & Caton’s report focuses on communication strategies for people with complex needs (CCN) and critiques the effectiveness of various approaches. The report provides evidence on what works for early communicators and is a valuable resource for understanding and applying strategies in practice, particularly for assignments AT3 and AT4.

Question 48

What are some key reflection activities from the Goldbart & Caton report?

Answer 48

One reflection activity involves consulting with a group home manager about strategies for early communicators. This includes selecting three strategies from the report, describing them in simple terms, and explaining the available evidence to support their use. This exercise helps integrate theory with practical application.