Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the communication ability of individuals with trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 syndromes.
Methods: Parents reported on children's potential communication acts, words, spontaneous gesture, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) using a parent report inventory (n = 32; age range 3-35 years). Potential communicative acts are defined as behaviors produced by an individual that may be interpreted by others to serve communicative functions.
Results: Potential communicative acts categorized as body movement displayed the highest median rank for reported occurrence followed by vocalization and facial expression. Although symbolic forms were ranked lower, more than half of the parents (66%) reported that their children produced at least one word, gesture or AAC form. Challenging behaviors or stereotypic movement displayed lowest median ranks.
Conclusions: Results are discussed in terms of communication potential and the need to address AAC in trisomy 18 and 13.
Keywords: Augmentative and alternative communication; gestures; potential communicative acts; trisomy 13; trisomy 18.