Approaches to communication assessment with children and adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

Abstract

Communication assessment of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) has seldom been investigated. Here, we explore approaches and decision making in undertaking communication assessments in this group of people. A questionnaire was sent to UK practitioners. The questionnaire elicited information about assessment approaches used and rationales for assessment choices. Fifty‐five speech and language therapists (SLTs) responded. Findings revealed that the Preverbal Communication Schedule, the Affective Communication Assessment and the Checklist of Communication Competence were the most frequently used published assessments. Both published and unpublished assessments were often used. Rationales for assessment choice related to assessment utility, sensitivity to detail and change and their applicability to people with PIMD. Underpinning evidence for assessments was seldom mentioned demonstrating the need for more empirical support for assessments used. Variability in practice and the eclectic use of a range of assessments was evident, underpinned by practice‐focused evidence based on tacit knowledge.

Looking back, looking forward: Methodological challenges and future directions in research on persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities

“…Axelsson & Wilder, 2014; Hostyn, Daelman, Janssen, & Maes, 2010), a common practice is to use and/or adapt instruments developed for other target groups. The frequent use of instruments originally aimed at young typically developing children (Chadwick, Buell, & Goldbart, 2019; Hostyn, Petry, Lambrechts, & Maes, 2011; Van keer et al., 2017; Vandesande, Bosmans, Schuengel, et al, 2019) is based on the assumption of comparable levels of functioning and developmental trajectories. However, due to the complex interplay between the cognitive, motor and/or sensory impairments of persons with PIMD, this comparability cannot be guaranteed and the person may be at risk of being underestimated (Houwen, Visser, van der Putten, & Vlaskamp, 2016; Visser, Vlaskamp, Emde, Ruiter, & Timmerman, 2017).…”

“…In the area of communication for example, some instruments have been specifically developed for the PIMD group, including some with established psychometric properties; see Chadwick et al. (2019). However, this process is inevitably challenged by the heterogeneity of the PIMD group (cf.…”

Multi–sensory impairment: convenient label or recipe for confusion? A scoping review of research conducted in England (2001‐20)

“…Topics-Unsurprisingly, the topic most commonly studied (11 studies) was communication assessment and intervention, and sub-topics varied from surveys of specialists' preferred assessment methods (Chadwick et al, 2019) and intervention (Goldbart et al, 2014) to evaluations of specific strategies such as Alternative and Augmentative Communication (Harding et al, 2011).…”

“…Unsurprisingly, the topic most commonly studied (11 studies) was communication assessment and intervention, and sub‐topics varied from surveys of specialists’ preferred assessment methods (Chadwick et al, 2019) and intervention (Goldbart et al, 2014) to evaluations of specific strategies such as Alternative and Augmentative Communication (Harding et al, 2011). Interventions relying on other senses such as touch (McLinden, 2004) and smell (Murdoch et al, 2014), as well as interventions maximising the use of vision (Little and Dutton, 2015) were the second most researched topic (6 studies).…”

Inventory of assessment practices in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in three European countries

“…Moreover, people with PIMD experience significant challenges in communication. They generally do not use and have little understanding of verbal language, but communicate in an idiosyncratic and nonverbal way, using signals such as facial expressions, sounds, and physiological signals (Bellamy et al, 2010 ; Chadwick et al, 2018 ; Nakken & Vlaskamp, 2007 ). Assessment is of crucial importance for people with PIMD in order to define their needs, preferences and abilities and to be able to offer tailor‐made support, as this is a vulnerable group that is completely dependent on personal assistance in everyday life (Van der Putten et al, 2017 ).…”