Symbol Assessment

(Based on Beukelman & Mirenda, 2005) 

What does it assess?

• Receptive vocabulary for real items.
• Representational ability to determine appropriate symbol set for the individual. 

Who is it suitable for?

• Child or adult with symbolic ability. 

Who is it not suitable for?

• Anyone who is pre-symbolic.
• Anyone who is linguistic. 

How is it administered?

• Speech pathologist conducts interview of the primary carer to identify items to use as the basis for the test. These items are then gathered and symbolic representations developed (e.g., colour photographs,  line drawings, such as PCSÔ.
• Speech pathologist conducts an informal test of receptive understanding of the  spoken object label, its function, and ability to match symbols to the object. 

How is it scored/ interpreted?

• Speech pathologist examines data to determine if the person has symbolic ability and the most appropriate symbolic forms to use. 

What is its availability?

• Informal test that can be developed from information provided in Beukelman & Mirenda (2005).
• Sample copy provided in the assessment kit. 

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

• Identifying the type of symbol sets that will be most appropriate in functional communication training.
• Must be done in conjunction with a functional behaviour assessment. 

References 

Beukelman, D., & Mirenda, P. (2005). Augmentative and alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.