One of the most prominent barriers for people who have Angelman syndrome is their lack of speech resulting in the inability to clearly communicate needs, wants, feelings and opinions.

 

As non-speakers, without any communication support, they are unable to enjoy the general everyday conversations that typical speakers take so for granted. Their lives inevitably become organised by others with no opportunities for their own input.

 

Having no speech negatively impacts their behaviours and sense of autonomy, amplifies isolation, prevents social inclusion and prevents access to a full education.

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The significant speech/language impairments seen in AS may be due to:

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• Motor problems (low tone in oral area)

• Oral structures (protruding tongue)

• Intellectual disability

• Oral apraxia (difficulty with motor planning)

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In summary, people with Angelman Syndrome are increasingly learning how to use AAC to communicate successfully.

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• They need a multi-modal communication system that incorporates AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

• Comprehension is much greater than output so high expectations for learning need to be maintained.

• Abilities and methods vary widely, so always presume competence.

• Augmenting communication involves both speech and writing, and also technology related to teaching and learning.

• Frustration with communication is often the reason for negative behaviour such as pulling hair, hitting, biting. This behaviour can also be an indication of some deeper underlying issue such as pain or anxiety. (Read The Crisis in Pain Control for Children who are Complex, Non-Verbal, or Cognitively Impaired - The Complex Child.)