SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY EVALUATION
SPEECH GENERATING DEVICE (SGD)
NAME: John Doe
DATE OF BIRTH: 5/10/2002
DIAGNOSIS: Autism Spectrum Disorder
SPEECH DIAGNOSIS: Speech/Language Impaired
DATE OF ONSET: Congenital
REFERRED BY: Jim Lóser, AT Coordinator
ASSESSMENT DATE: 11/16/2010
CLINICIAN: Jillie Bean, MA, CCC-SLP
PRESENT AT EVALUATION: 9/30/10
I. Background and Medical Information
John is a first grade student at Lucas Elementary school. He has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and receives services via the resource room, occupational therapy, and speech/language services. He also has a full time Health Care Aide (HCA) with him during the school day.
II. Communication Needs
John is nonverbal and currently uses a Go-Talk 20 voice output communication device or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to communicate wants and needs. John is able to request highly desired items independently using his Go-Talk (e.g. “I want + swing” or “I want + cheese cracker”). John exhibits limited initiation for communicating items which are not highly desired.
III. Assessment Data: Language
John presents with limited expressive and receptive communication. He is able to communicate using symbols via PECS or the Go-Talk 20 to form complete sentences (e.g. “I want “+ object) but only initiates communication for highly desired items. John’s receptive language consists of following one-step contextual commands (e.g. “Get your coat”) and some one-step non-contextual commands (e.g. “match” or “trace”) John will become agitated if he is not able to express himself, which often results in John screaming, crying, or hitting others.
IV. Assessment Data: Vision and Hearing
John has no known visual, hearing, or motor deficits that would impact his use of an AAC device.
V. Assessment Data: Cognition
None
VI. Assessment Data: Motor
None
VII. Functional Communication Needs
John will exhibit signs of agitation and aggression when he is not able to communicate his wants. This results in screaming, crying, or hitting other people. John also has limited initiation for communication unless he is requesting a highly desired item. Due to these communication needs, John would benefit from having an easily accessible communication system to request his wants and needs.
VIII. Assessment: Comparison of Augmentative Communication Devices
John currently uses the Go-Talk 20 and PECS to express himself with others. Below is an overview of advantages and disadvantages to each communication system.
Go-Talk 20
John shows a preference for the voice output communication device as compared to PECS. All of John’s highly desired items are represented on four overlays using the Go-Talk 20. John is able to communicate more efficiently using the Go-Talk 20, because he is able to find the symbols quicker than using PECS. Johns communication partners and HCA are also able to assist John’s communication quicker using the Go-Talk 20, because the overlays are categorized for easy transition from one communication area to another (e.g. food, sensory room, playground).
Disadvantages to the Go-Talk 20 include John’s limited initiation for communication. John may not establish a communication partner before requesting a certain item. Instead of approaching one person, he may press the buttons on the Go-Talk 20 and assume someone will respond.
PECS
John has used PECS to communicate in the past, and continues to have a functional communication book. The benefits John’s communication has using PECS includes establishing one communication partner to request an item. John would need to initiate the communication exchange with a single person in order to make his request.
Disadvantages to using PECS include the increased time it takes to request a desired item. John or his communication partner must search through the communication book to find the desired symbol. This extra time may result in increased frustration and agitation for John. Also, picture symbols are easily lost. When a symbol is not available using PECS, it makes it impossible for John to request the desired item until a new symbol can be made.
IX. Summary and Recommendations:
At this time, it is recommended that John uses the Go-Talk 20 communication device to meet his communication needs. John often shows lack of initiation to communicate with all systems; therefore he should continue to use the type of system that he shows a preference for to encourage communication.
It is recommended that John continue to learn new symbols using PECS, because it offers a more controlled way to introduce new symbols, and then implement them onto the Go-Talk 20. John would also benefit from working on establishing one communication partner when requesting something. This includes making eye contact and facing a person when he is requesting an item.
John should use the Go-Talk 20 with all communication partners and be encouraged to request a variety of items in different communication environments.
X. Treatment Plan:
SPEECH/LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ASSURANCE OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, CREDENTIALS AND SIGNATURE:
The speech-language pathologist performing this evaluation is not an employee of and does not have a financial relationship with the supplier of and speech generating device.
Any questions regarding this report should be directed to Jillie Been at 616-527-1234.
Jillie Bean , M.A. CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist’s Name
ASHA Certification Number: 123-456-7890
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