Table 2.
Themes | Codes – Barriers |
---|---|
Stakeholder Knowledge | 1. Insufficient access to specialised training (AAC, profound Autism) 2. Lack of awareness or access to disability services. 3. Societal AAC knowledge or awareness 4. Difficulties in accessing knowledge and technology [parent-carers only]. |
Stakeholder Attitudes and Stigma | 1. Reluctance in AAC uptake as early intervention 2. Device is withheld for safekeeping 3. Experienced stigma versus perceived stigma [parent-carers and clinicians]. |
Resources | 1. Limited time 2. Limited financial resources. 3. Time and funds for upskilling and to buy spare devices [educators and clinicians] |
AAC UserEngagement | 1. Acute factors 2. Ingrained factors 3. Late AAC introductory age. 4. User characteristics and willingness not a barrier [educators and clinicians]. |
Device Fit | 1. Poor fit to users due to features 2. Poor fit to context and communication partners. 3. Poor fit in school due to lack of inter-stakeholder communication [educators only]. |
Differences between stakeholder groups are denoted in italics. Differences that arose from or pertained to a specific stakeholder group is noted in square brackets.