Developing Reco-intervention for individuals who use aided AAC and their partners: an Intervention Mapping Protocol

Using communication aids in everyday interaction is often challenging, despite evidence showing that their use can facilitate linguistic development and social participation. Previous research has identified that a key factor in promoting the use of communication aids is teaching communication partners skills that facilitate aided interaction. This paper outlines, step by step, the design process of a new evidence-based intervention model called Reco (relaxed communication), which was developed according to the Intervention Mapping Protocol. Reco was designed for children and young people for whom communication aids are recommended as well as for their communication partners. The aim of Reco is to facilitate the use of communication aids in everyday interaction. The development process began by identifying the problem and objectives for intervention and continued by selecting evidence-based methods. In the pilot phase, participants comprised two school-aged children who use AAC and their parents, school instructors, and speech and language therapists, and in the implementation phase six children and their communication partners. The implementation phase is currently under review. This protocol article is valuable for demonstrating how to use participatory research design and evaluate evidence-based interventions in the AAC field.