Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of caregivers in communicating with children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities in selected special care centres in Gauteng Province. This study followed a qualitative approach and data collection was gathered through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Eight caregivers were purposively selected to participate in the study. The study was underpinned by attachment theory and Ubuntu theory. Both theories were found suitable for the study because caring forms the core component and both theories shape communication. The research study provides findings which were established through a thematic analysis process. The findings of the study revealed that caregivers are experiencing challenges in communicating with children with severe to profound intellectual disability (SPID) and lack communication skills.
A negative belief by caregivers, low expectations of these children, how their communicative attempts were interpreted and responded to by the caregivers were identified as problems. In addition, individuals with SPID may exhibit more subtle facial expressions of internal states, which adults are poor at interpreting if they do not have experience of caring for or communicating with children with SPID. The findings of the study suggest that caregivers should attend ongoing developmental workshops on communication and familiarise themselves with various ways of communicating with children with SPID. The use of multi-modal communication at SCCs would also be beneficial. This requires the use of both non-verbal and verbal communication to communicate with learners with communication difficulties. In addition, it is imperative that rehabilitation services remain in place, with optimal use of additional and interdepartmental communication at the operational level to ensure that every child receives the necessary resources and therapeutic support.
Keywords: Severe to profound, Intellectual Disability Caregivers, Communication, Augmentative Alternative Communication, Ubuntu, Attachment.