Skip to main content
Article
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment in Adults With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Results of Semi-Structured Interviews
Communication Disorders Quarterly
  • Miechelle McKelvey, University of Nebraska at Kearney
  • Kristy S.E. Weissling, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Shelley K. Lund, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Wendy Quach, San Jose State University
  • Aimee Dietz, University of Cincinnati
Publication Date
5-1-2022
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1177/15257401211017143
Abstract

This phenomenological qualitative study explored how eight speech-language pathology specialists in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) (who self-identified as adult-focused) would approach the AAC assessment process when presented with a case study of an adult with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The general research questions were: What areas are assessed by AAC specialists evaluating individuals with ALS? How do specialists evaluate the areas identified: In all, four themes emerged: (a) Area of Assessment, (b) Method of Assessment, (c) Patient Education, and (d) Decision Criteria. These results support authoritative models of AAC assessment. AAC assessment is a complex task and understanding the behaviors of specialists, as outlined in this article, may be a first step in assisting general practice SLPs to complete AAC assessments for individuals with ALS with greater confidence and comfort.

Keywords
  • amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
  • assessment,
  • augmentative and alternative communication,
  • decision making,
  • evaluation
Citation Information
Miechelle McKelvey, Kristy S.E. Weissling, Shelley K. Lund, Wendy Quach, et al.. "Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment in Adults With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Results of Semi-Structured Interviews" Communication Disorders Quarterly Vol. 43 Iss. 3 (2022) p. 163 - 171
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/wendy_quach/10/