Assessment

Assessment

Intervention for cognitive and communication impairments begins with a thorough assessment to understand the problems and the factors that may assist.

The assessment addresses these questions:

  • What are the individual’’s communication needs in the context of their daily life?

  • What are the cognitive, communication, speech, or language difficulties that may affect return to work, school, family interactions, or return to full participation in the community?

Our speech-language pathology assessment includes:

  • Interview of the individual, their family, or important communication partners

  • Review of case history (pre-injury status, academic, employment status, medical & rehabilitation history, etc.)

  • Comprehensive assessment of

    • Communication (listening, speaking, reading, written expression, discourse, conversational interaction, social communication)

    • Cognitive skills required for communication (attention, memory, organization, reasoning, problem solving, executive functions, self-regulation)

    • Consideration of potential contributing factors (fatigue, sleep disturbance, visual disturbance, stress, etc.)

  • Selection, administration, and interpretation of standardized tests

  • Analysis of discourse and conversational interaction

  • Functional evaluation of school, work, family, or community communications (current status and communication demands)

  • Consultation with other professionals or review of their reports as indicated

  • Preparation of a comprehensive report

  • Summary of strengths and weaknesses for the individual and family

  • Education/counselling regarding current communication status and collaborative development of goals and intervention strategies.

 

We then develop an individualized plan based on the person’’s needs, goals and the activities in which they want to engage.

More information about guidelines and standards for speech-language pathology cognitive-communication assessment can be found at these links.

1. The Assessment Guidelines for Cognitive-Communication Disorders and the Treatment Guidelines for Cognitive-Communication Disorders – OSLA Ontario Association of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists

2. Cognitive Communication Disorders Practice Standards and Guidelines – College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)