The thesis is written in Swedish.

Severe congenital impairments make communication challenging. Adults’ approach is crucial, in order to enable the child to make itself heard and understood and to use "a voice of its’ own". 

This study addresses the following issues in relation to the child´s utterance:

• How do adults describe their own view of the child?

• How do adults describe their views on themselves, such as the child’s communication partner?  

• How do adults regard the importance of the interpersonal meeting?

The study adopts a qualitative approach, with case studies based on focus group interviews. The respondents are communication partners to two teenagers. An abductive approach was used.

The results show that the children were perceived to have their own, bodily voice. The view of the child was related to self reflection or working methods. “Openness, focus and presence” facilitate identifying and interpreting expressions. Close relationships, attitudes and partner skills are important for utterance and the opportunity to develop as a communicative person.