Digit Span 

What does it assess?

• Auditory short term memory. 

Who is it suitable for?

• Child or adult with acquired or developmental disabilities.
• Individual has speech skills. 

Who is it not suitable for?

• Individuals who are non-speaking. 

How is it administered?

• The person is asked to repeat sequences of numbers, of increasing length, after the examiner.  

How is it scored/ interpreted? 

• Speech pathologist records response and scores according to the longest digit span repeated.
• For each trial, a lenient score is given if the person repeats all numbers (without any additional) but not in the same order; a stringent score is given if the order is the same as that of the examiner. 

What is its availability?

• Requires only a score sheet – included in the kit. 

How does it contribute to a communication assessment for someone with behaviours of concern?

• Auditory short term memory is strongly associated with both receptive and expressive language. Information about this aspect of memory contributes to a communication profile and also informs interventions that rely on the use of verbal commands or explanations.
• Note that individuals with Down syndrome tend to have Digits Spans of approx. 3.5, whereas the norms for adults without disabilities is 5 (+/- 2). 

References:

Jarrold, C., & Baddeley, A. (1997). Short-term memory for verbal and visuospatial information in Down's syndrome. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, 2, 101-122.

Jarrold, C., Baddeley, A., & Phillips, C. (2002). Verbal short-term memory in Down syndrome: A problem of memory, audition, or speech? Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 45, 531-544.

Marcell, M., & Armstrong, V. (1982). Auditory and sequential memory of Down syndrome and nonretarded children. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 87, 86-95.