Intent:
To document the person's ability to express or communicate requests, needs, opinions, urgent problems, and social conversation, whether in speech, writing, sign language, or a combination of these (includes use of word board or key board).
Process:
Interact with the person. Observe and listen to the person's efforts to communicate with you. If possible, observe his or her interactions with family. If he/she has communication devices, encourage their use. Observe the person’s interactions with others in different settings (e.g., one-on-one, in groups, with family members) and different circumstances (e.g., when calm, when agitated). Note that this item is not intended to address differences in language understanding, such as only speaking in a language not familiar to the assessor.
Coding:
Enter the number corresponding to the most correct response.
Understood — The person expresses ideas clearly without difficulty.
Usually Understood — The person has difficulty finding the right words or finishing thoughts (resulting in delayed responses), BUT if given time, little or no prompting is required.
Often Understood — The person has difficulty finding words or finishing thoughts, AND prompting is usually required.
Sometimes Understood — The person has limited ability, but is able to express concrete requests regarding at least basic needs (e.g., food, drink, sleep, toilet).
Rarely or Never Understood — At best, understanding is limited to interpretation of highly individual, person-specific sounds or body language (e.g., caregiver has learned to interpret person signaling the presence of pain or need to toilet).