Utvärdering av AKKTIV KomIgång – en studie av föräldrars och kursledares upplevelser av en kommunikationskurs

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate parents and course directors’ experiences of the AKKTIV ComAlong-course (Augmentative and Alternative Communication – Early Intervention). ComAlong targets parents of pre-school children with extensive communication difficulties and aims to give parents knowledge about different aspects of communication, communication development and AAC. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Individual interviews and pair-interviews with totally nine persons were performed and 54 course questionnaires filled in by parents were evaluated. The results show that both parents and course directors perceive ComAlong as suitable early intervention for parents to children with communication difficulties. It is important that parents participate in ComAlong before they proceed with other AAC-intervention. It is also important that persons with different professions within the habilitation services have knowledge about the course so that parents are informed and encouraged to participate. Future research, use and development of the ComAlongcourse are discussed.