Study Notes on Informal Communication-Specific Assessment Tools for Speech-Language Pathologists

Informal Communication-Specific Assessment Tools: Evaluation and Ongoing Assessment

Introduction

  • Informal assessment tools focus on the natural communication skills of children rather than traditional test settings.

  • Emphasizes the significance of observing children during natural play and interactions which yield qualitative data on functional communication skills.

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guidelines for assessing infants and toddlers:

    • Recommend using a variety of measures including standardized testing, observations, and input from parents or caregivers.

  • Importance of informed clinical opinion among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in determining eligibility for services.

Informed Clinical Opinion

  • IDEA §303.321(a)(3)(ii) emphasizes the importance of informed clinical opinion in child evaluation processes:

    • Must complement rather than replace objective standardized measures.

Example of Application

  • A child scoring below average (SS 70) on the PLS-5 test is likely eligible for services.

  • Conversely, a child with a standard score of 90 (within the average range) but lacking functional communication may still need support based on SLP's informed clinical opinion.

Qualifying Personnel Knowledge Requirements

  • Evaluation expertise encompasses:

    • Typical child development, variations and disorders.

    • Evaluation, assessment, intervention techniques.

    • Cultural and linguistic diversity.

  • Assessment should consider how children perform in everyday settings rather than relying solely on standardized test scores.

Methods Supporting Informed Clinical Opinion

Parent Interview

  • Parent interviews gather essential historical data about the child and their family.

  • A sample form for parent interviews is presented in Appendix 8-A, taking around 10 minutes to complete.

  • SLPs must consider cultural and linguistic dynamics, monitoring both verbal and non-verbal parent responses.

    • It is crucial to ask sensitive questions respectfully; sometimes, it may not be appropriate to push for certain details immediately.

    • Following up later can yield more thorough responses as trust builds.

Pragmatics Checklist (Appendix 8-B)

  • This nonstandardized yet evidenced-based checklist evaluates early developmental milestones in communication.

  • It tracks development in three-month increments through the first year and six-month intervals up to two years:

    • Focus on both perlocutionary (unintentional) and illocutionary (intentional) communication.

    • Each skill observed is marked as present, emerging, or not evident.

Language Sample Analysis

  • To collect a language sample, encourage free conversation with engaging toys, aim for about 100 utterances.

  • Importance of accurate transcription to assess morphological development:

    • Tools like the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) can aid in this process.

Oral Structure and Oral Motor Function Assessment

Assessment Overview

  • An assessment of oral structure and motor function is critical in evaluating speech and language development in young children.

    • Requires collaboration between SLPs and other professionals like Occupational Therapists (OTs).

    • Current standardized tools for infants and toddlers are lacking, necessitating informal assessments.

Techniques and Considerations

  1. Swallowing Assessments

    • Swallowing challenges may necessitate an SLP directive based on observed competencies.

    • SLPs account for a significant role in dysphagia management but may need to refer if lacking specific training.

  2. Checking Baby Teeth (Eruption and Structure)

    • Typical dental development includes 20 teeth, with eruption patterns listed (Figure 8-1), which SLPs should check during assessments.

    • Tooth alignment concerns can impact both chewing and speech.

  3. Visual Check of Oral Structure

    • SLPs examine symmetry and muscle tone of the facial structure which can provide indicators of neurological or physical issues impacting communication.

Specific Assessment Examples

Example Child Case: Tassy

  • Child with numerous medical issues, including bilateral cleft palate and hearing loss, highlighting the need for a nuanced, well-informed clinical approach in assessment.

General Observations During Assessment

  • All evaluations should be flexible, observational, and incorporate detailed notes on the child’s interactions and responses to the environment.

    • It is important to record not just speech but the functional behaviors exhibited by children during play.

Ongoing Assessment

  • Ongoing evaluation should include curriculum-based assessments, parent feedback, and strategies for adapting to changing circumstances in a child's development.

    • Techniques like reflective listening used during parent interviews to maintain engagement and understanding of the child’s needs.

Challenges in Assessment Situations

  • Three challenging scenarios faced by SLPs during evaluations:

    1. James - Difficulties engaging a child in standardized testing due to environmental distractions and family dynamics.

    2. Juan - Identifying hearing loss from inconsistent communication cues and addressing the mother’s unaware of chronic ear infections impacting development.

    3. Jacob - Addressing potential autism-related behaviors while managing sensitive family dynamics and pursuing nuanced engagement strategies.

Conclusion

  • The chapter emphasizes the critical nature of a comprehensive, sensitive, and observational approach in assessing young children within their natural environments, relying on informed clinical opinions.

  • Support Frameworks: Documenting assessment data is vital for ongoing assessments and future intervention strategies.