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Interpreting the communication of people with profound and multiple learning difficulties
Author(s) -
Porter Jill,
Ouvry Carol,
Morgan Maggie,
Downs Caroline
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
british journal of learning disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 1354-4187
DOI - 10.1046/j.1468-3156.2001.00083.x
Subject(s) - psychology , ask price , key (lock) , inference , process (computing) , cognitive psychology , social psychology , computer science , artificial intelligence , computer security , economy , economics , operating system
Summary The present paper highlights some of the issues involved in interpreting the communication behaviours of people with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLDs). Both inference and intention can play an important role in the communication process, and this raises a number of difficulties and dangers where one of the communication partners is not in a position to correct misunderstandings. The present authors discuss the importance of validating communication and pose a number of key questions to ask those who are most significant in the life of a person with PMLDs. A case study is provided that illustrates a number of these issues.