Global Prevalence of Children With Complex Communication Needs With or Without Autism or Intellectual Disability: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Children with complex communication needs (CCN) are those who have profound language difficulties or do not use spoken language as their primary means of communication. Having CCN can lead to difficulty accessing and participating in everyday activities. Aims: This systematic review aims to estimate the global prevalence of CCN among children with or without autism or intellectual disability (ID). Methods and Procedures: We will include observational (cross-sectional or longitudinal) studies that have reported the prevalence of CCN among children without acquired or physical conditions. Populations, including children, can have (1) no co-occurring conditions or (2) autism or ID. ..