Short-term outcomes of communication aid provision

Purpose - The aim of this study is to explore short-term outcomes of communication aid provision from the perspective of children with complex communication needs. Design/methodology/approach - A total of ten children were interviewed at two time points. The first interviews took place before or within two weeks of the arrival of a new communication aid. A second follow-up interview was carried out between six and ten weeks later. Initial interviews explored children's views concerning their ability to engage in school activities that they deemed important but difficult to achieve. First interviews also examined children's self-perceptions related to their self-efficacy and self-esteem, and perceptions of others' attitudes towards themselves. Children's views concerning the likely impact of the new communication aid on taking part in activities and their self-concepts were also explored. The follow-up interviews asked children to reflect on the short-term impact of the new communication aid. Findings - Children reported expected and unexpected positive changes at follow-up. Notably, unanticipated and undesirable changes were also reported. Originality/value - The paper addresses the critical issue of early outcomes following communication aid provision from the viewpoint of children themselves.