Assessments
SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND COMMUNICATION EVALUATION
An evaluation to assess the individual’s current speech, language, and communication abilities will be conducted. This evaluation generally runs between 1 to 1.5 hours in length and will use qualitative and quantitative measures. Results and recommendations will be discussed and provided in a written report.
AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (AAC) EVALUATION
An AAC assessment will evaluate an individual’s needs and areas of strength and match them with an ideal access method, language system, and an AAC device. During the assessment the SLP will determine answers to the following questions:
What is the best way for the person to access communication strategies?
What kind of language system is appropriate for the person?
What devices/communication systems exist that match the AAC user’s strengths and needs?
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS EVALUATION
Parents will be asked a series of questions about their child’s history and current behavior using a formal screening instrument to identify developmental delay, including any characteristics of autism. The results of this screening may lead to an autism diagnostic evaluation. This evaluation will involve the administration of one or more of the gold standard autism diagnostic instruments (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition and Autism Diagnostic Instrument-Revised). During this process, the child will be observed engaging in play and interacting with the clinicians to identify if the child meets the autism spectrum disorder criteria specified in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5). Total evaluation time generally runs between 3-5 hours in length.
FEEDING DISORDERS EVALUATION
Following a review of objective testing measures, such as a modified barium swallow study (MBS) conducted in a hospital setting (if applicable), clinical evaluation to assess the safety of one’s swallow will be conducted. The Marshalla Oral Sensorimotor Test (MOST) will be administered to asses facial and oral structures for structural abnormalities that could interfere with feeding. A diagnosis, prognosis, recommended diet, and safe food preparation guide will be provided based upon the results of the evaluation.