The Triple C: Checklist of Communicative Competencies (Revised)

(Bloomberg, West, Johnson, &Iacono, 2009) 

What does it assess?

• Cognitive and early communication skills. 

Who is it suitable for?

• Designed for adults with severe and multiple disabilities.
• The two studies (REF) into the underlying psychometric properties of the test were completed with samples from this population.
• May be useful for adults with ABI to explore cognitive and communication skills in people who do not demonstrate symbolic representational ability (e.g., are non-speaking and do no demonstrate comprehension of pictures or photos). 

Who is it not suitable for?

• Anyone who has an extensive spoken, signed or picture vocabulary and demonstrates linguistic ability (i.e., flexible combination of symbols).  

How is it administered?

• It is preferable that two carers from different environments each complete a checklist for the one person with disability.
• Carers should have worked with the person on a regular basis for at least 6 months.
• Instruct carers to complete the checklist over a 1-2 week period so that the person is observed in various situations.
• Encourage carers to set up situations to observe skills that the person has little opportunity to demonstrate in daily situations. 

How is it scored/ interpreted?

• A speech pathologist reviews the items checked by one or more carers and assigns a stage according to instructions provided in the manual.
• Discuss inconsistencies across carers or ambiguities evident in the checklist with the carers.
• Conduct direct observations if a clear pattern cannot be determined from completed checklists – see Fact Sheet on Sampling of Communicative Behaviours in structured routines based on McLean et al for a complementary assessment. 

What is its availability?

• Available from the Scope online store.
• Cost for manual and 20 checklists is $110; cost for 20 checklists is $33. 

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

• Identifying the person’s stage of early communication will inform the level and type of communication supports that are likely to effectively replace problem behaviours and allow positive environmental and social supports.
• Must be done in conjunction with a functional behaviour assessment.

References

Iacono, T., Bloomberg, K., & West, D. (2005). A preliminary investigation into the internal consistency and construct validity of the Triple C: Checklist of Communicative Competencies. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental  Disability, 30(3), 139-145.

Iacono, T., West, D., Bloomberg, K., & Johnson, H. (2009). Reliability and validity of the revised Triple C: Checklist of Communicative Competencies for adults with severe and multiple disabilities  Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53, 44-53.