The Children's Corner: Perspectives on Supportive Care. Caring for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Addressing communication needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is crucial, particularly in health care settings where these needs often go unmet. Despite the potential of AAC to improve patientprovider interactions, health care professionals frequently lack adequate training and experience in AAC, leading to overlooked patient needs and suboptimal care delivery. Negative attitudes toward AAC users further hinder effective communication and care provision. This article highlights the urgent need for enhanced AAC support in health care settings and proposes strategies to address these challenges, including comprehensive training programs for health care professionals and fostering a supportive environment for AAC users. By prioritizing communication access, health care systems can ensure equitable and person- centered care for all patients, regardless of their communication abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]