Professional’s support to parents having children with complex communication needs. : A study from low socio-economic background in India

Abstract: Caregivers of children with Complex Communication Needs from low socio-economic  backgrounds are deprived of facilities for communication training. As a result, they struggle to communicate with their children even for activities of daily living. This study focuses on how professionals help such parents to communicate with their non-verbal children. Also, it looks into the condition of parents and the facilitators and the barriers professionals face while working in such situations. To conduct the study qualitative study design with an interview method was chosen. Data were collected from seven participants who are special educators. The results revolves around various themes related to the aim. The main results deal with the burden of caregivers, their motivation level, issues related to lack of training, building rapport with parents, the role of parents, and teaching basics. Studying the barriers and facilitators of professionals identified changes in children, parents' positive attitude, regular follow-up, mother as a caregiver, and other support services as facilitators. Barriers were focused on lack of changes, negative attitudes, grandparents as caregivers, hygiene, transportation, and workload. The results indicate that issues were rooted in low socio-economic backgrounds and the need to provide extra support for caregivers to communicate effectively with their children.