Communication Assessment Profile for People with Learning Disabilities
(van der Gaag, 2004)
What does it assess?
Who is it suitable for?
- Designed for adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.
- The author indicates it can be used for adults with dementia and younger people with ID.
Who is it not suitable for?
- Anyone who with profound or complex needs, or those with severe visual impairments.
How is it administered?
- Part 1 – questionnaire: completed by a carer to provide information about the adult’s communication functions, and situations in which s/he participates.
- Part 2 – observations: completed by a speech pathologist, observing the person in everyday situations.
- Part 3 – intervention planning: completed by the speech pathologist and carer jointly.
How is it scored/ interpreted?
- The speech pathologist uses the descriptive information to inform intervention, jointly planned with the carer.
What is its availability?
- Purchased from Speech Profiles.
- Cost is £145.00 for the kit and £38 10 sets of forms (all parts).
How does it contribute to a communication assessment for someone with behaviours of concern?
- Profiles the person’s communication functions and communicative environment to inform intervention for problem behaviours and allow positive environmental and social supports.
- Must be done in conjunction with a functional behaviour assessment.
References
van der Gaag, A. (1989) Joint assessment of communication skills: Formalising the role of the carer. The British Journal of Mental Subnormality, 35, 22-28.
