Perspectives on Speech Therapy, AAC devices, and Community Support: A Case Study of a Caregiver of an Adult with Down Syndrome
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Communication Disorders
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Alison Brown, EdD, CCC-SLP; Kelly Vaughan, MS, CCC-SLP
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
-
An important role in the life of someone with an Intellectual Disability is their caregiver. For someone with an Intellectual Disability such as Down Syndrome, they can often present with physical and cognitive disabilities as well as difficulty with speech and language, with their caregiver often serving as their primary communication partner. Nonetheless, the caregiver plays a large role in finding supports such as speech therapy services to help improve upon their child’s communication skills. Through speech therapy, caregivers can see their child develop their language abilities through various modes of communication such as augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC). However, a caregiver’s role can shift following dismissal from speech therapy services and as they assist their child through a transition in unsupported, independent communication. Through an interview with a caregiver of an adult with Down Syndrome in a midwest rural area, there is much to learn about how caregivers perceive their roles and experiences with speech therapy services, access and support of an AAC device, facilitating communication use, providing social and emotional support, and community supports.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Perspectives on Speech Therapy, AAC devices, and Community Support: A Case Study of a Caregiver of an Adult with Down Syndrome
-
An important role in the life of someone with an Intellectual Disability is their caregiver. For someone with an Intellectual Disability such as Down Syndrome, they can often present with physical and cognitive disabilities as well as difficulty with speech and language, with their caregiver often serving as their primary communication partner. Nonetheless, the caregiver plays a large role in finding supports such as speech therapy services to help improve upon their child’s communication skills. Through speech therapy, caregivers can see their child develop their language abilities through various modes of communication such as augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC). However, a caregiver’s role can shift following dismissal from speech therapy services and as they assist their child through a transition in unsupported, independent communication. Through an interview with a caregiver of an adult with Down Syndrome in a midwest rural area, there is much to learn about how caregivers perceive their roles and experiences with speech therapy services, access and support of an AAC device, facilitating communication use, providing social and emotional support, and community supports.