This chapter deals with communication, language, and literacy learning in children with developmental disabilities by integrating two perspectives, firstly that of information processing and the impact of specific impairments on information processing and interpretation of symbols used in interaction and, secondly, the role of sociocultural factors in facilitating learning and literacy learning. The use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies is discussed by means of a case study to illustrate the interaction between individual and sociocultural factors in intervention. A differentiation is made between engagement and interactive behavior to enhance understanding of children's participation, and intervention strategies based on these concepts are explored. Finally the importance of emergent literacy is discussed with reference to the importance of the sociocultural context within which families live.
The term neurodevelopmental or developmental disabilities refers to a heterogeneous group of disabilities that include the long-term effects of delay and deviance as a result of some damage to the neurological processes responsible for developmental functioning (Yeargin-Allsop & Boyle, 2002). Conditions that generally are included in this group are cerebral palsy, communication disorders, mental retardation, autism, auditory and visual impairments, emotion disorders, disorders of attention and hyperactivity, learning disabilities, chronic orthopedic conditions, and epilepsy (Capute & Accardo, 1996). This indicates a broad range of conditions, and the costs associated with these are tremendous as families endeavor to find the appropriate professional services and support for their children. In addition, indirect costs such as emotional costs to families cannot be measured.
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Alant, E., Uys, K., Tönsing, K. (2009). Communication, Language, and Literacy Learning in Children with Developmental Disabilities. In: Matson, J.L., Andrasik, F., Matson, M.L. (eds) Treating Childhood Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09530-1_12
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