Grafisk Alternativ och Kompletterande Kommunikation, GAKK : Upplevelser från brukare och vårdnadshavare, en systematisk litteraturstudie.

Sammanfattning: The ability to speak with one another is important for all people, but this ability can not be taken for granted when dealing with communicative disabilities. The aim of this systematic literature review was to highlight user and caregiver views and experiences of aided augmentative and alternative communication (aided AAC). The study included 15 articles that were examined by quality and analysed through a meta synthesis. Data was categorized into six main categories; (1) conversational patterns using aided AAC, (2) expectations and concerns, (3) environment, (4) the communication aid, (5) use: when and where, in what situations, (6) learning the communication and manage the communication aid . The result indicated that conversations with aided AAC were predictable and limited. The importance of communication beyond basic needs was discussed. The communication of users was depending on the support and competence from the environment and users were influenced by the treatment of others. Communication was dependent on availability and individual accommodation. Different strategies were used by users to adapt the conversations to people and situations. Beside communication, aided AAC could be used for other purposes, e.g., in daily routines. Different views were seen discussing high and low technology communication aids. Using aided AAC improved the users’ communication. The importance of including caregivers and users in the choice of communications aids was mentioned. In summary, there were many factors that needed to work together for an optimal use of aided AAC. Key words: communication, aided augmentative and alternative communication (aided AAC), caregivers, users, experiences, high technological aided AAC, low technological aided AAC