Developing the personal narratives of children with complex communication needs associated with intellectual disabilities: What is the potential of Storysharing® ?

Abstract

Background: Sharing personal experience in narrative is challenging for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The aim was to investigate the potential of Storysharing^® (Storysharing is an innovative communication method based on personal narrative, which has been developed to support conversations with people who have severe difficulties in communication) intervention.

Materials and methods: The study involved eleven pupil-educational supporter dyads at a special school. Storysharing^® was implemented over a 15-week period. Personal narratives were captured on video pre- and post-intervention. The data were analysed for discourse and narrative.

Results: Significant differences revealed a decline in 'query-answer' sequences and an increase in supporter use of 'prompts'. After intervention, there were fewer story episodes. Narrative structure showed gains in action sequences leading to climax, and in closing elements, indicating a more complete narrative.

Conclusions: The Storysharing^® intervention appears to be associated with changes to the dyadic, personal narratives illustrating its potential.

Keywords: Communication; discourse; intellectual disability; narrative.