Impact of AAC on the mental health and wellbeing of children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of the provision of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) on the mental health and wellbeing of Children and Young People with complex communication needs
IRAS ID
326033
Contact name
Hannah Griffiths
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Some children and young people (CYP) who are not able to communicate verbally are also unable to use alternative methods of communication, such as writing, due to cognitive or physical disabilities. For these children expressing needs, wants, and particularly emotions can be very difficult. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems (communication aids), have the potential to enable these children and young people to communicate with those around them.
In this project I will look at the impact the provision a communication aid has on the mental health and wellbeing of children with complex communication difficulties who are able to use these systems. I will identify an appropriate, validated, child orientated psychological questionnaire to be completed by the CYP's parent(s)/carer(s) which will monitor the mental health and wellbeing of those recruited into the project. This questionnaire will be completed at the start, during and at the end of the research period. To get a more complete understanding of the impact the provision of the communication aid has had on the child or young person, I will also conduct interviews with the CYP and their families/carers and key professionals of the children and young people.
I will use qualitative analysis and statistical techniques to review the data and summarise the impact of the provision of AAC for these children and young people.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0236
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion