It's Never Too Late: Debunking Myths About Communication and Adults With Severe Disabilities.
Adults with severe disabilities can still learn to communicate—so keep teaching.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Gandhi et al. (2022) wrote a story-style review. They looked at papers about adults with severe ID or DD.
The authors wanted to bust the myth that these adults are 'too old' to learn new communication skills.
What they found
The review shows adults with severe disabilities can still gain communication skills. Age alone should not block services.
The paper urges teams to keep teaching sign, symbols, or devices even after age 21.
How this fits with other research
Lancioni et al. (2011) extends this claim. Their ABAB study proved two post-coma adults learned to send text messages in 20-minute sessions.
Delprato (2001) seems to disagree. Staff spoke above clients' level 45% of the time, feeding the 'they can't learn' story. The new review says the fault lies in staff training, not client ability.
Cox (2012) set the stage. That earlier narrative already warned that adults with ASD are 'system orphans.' A et al. widen the call to anyone with severe ID/DD and add the communication angle.
Why it matters
If you serve adults, drop the 'too late' line. Screen for new AAC tools, schedule speech sessions, and train staff to model simple language. Every year added can still bring new words.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Communication infuses all dimensions and stages of life, influencing one's self-determination and quality of life. A number of empirical studies have demonstrated that people with severe disabilities continue to develop communication and language skills well into their adult years and make measurable gains when provided with appropriate communication services and supports. Several myths about age, ability, and experiences limit opportunities for persons with severe disabilities. In this paper, we confront and address these myths.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, 2022 · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-60.5.416