Video of the Week: AAC Assessment with a Formal Test
There aren’t many formal assessment instruments designed expressly for people who need AAC, so it’s important to know about the ones that are available. In today’s post, we feature two videos on the Test of Aided Communication Symbol Performance (the TASP). Authored by Dr. Joan Bruno (creator of the Gateway programs for SGDs and AAC apps), this test helps us answer some of the questions we have when selecting or creating AAC systems for people with complex communication needs.
In this first video, we get a brief overview of the TASP from Dr. Lori Geist.
Next, let’s hear more about it from practicing clinicians and see a demonstration of some of the subtests.
Do you use formal testing in your AAC assessments? We’d love to hear about those experiences.
Filed under: Video of the Week
Tagged With: AAC assessment, formal tests, TASP, video
This post was written by Carole Zangari
4 Comments
I have been looking into this test, it seems quite high for many of my beginning AAC students. I do use AAC genie and find that the kids like the feedback it gives. I just wish it wasn’t as quirky…. I think if this test came in an app format, it would be easier for my students to focus on.
I love using the Communication Matrix in assessing my students with AAC needs. It gives great information on communicative functions and levels of communication in an easy-to-read format, and it is easy to compare progress when students are re-tested.
For profiles and other indirect assessments, I’m a big fan of the Communication Matrix, too, Meg. I’ve used the TASP with some of the clients whose Matrices were at mid to upper levels and it has been really helpful.
I run an AAC/ AT clinic at a private school for kids with multiple disabilities and autism. This test has proved invaluable in determining appropriate means of communication for our students who can understand icons. The eval is quick and usually can be completed in one session. I love the way the results guide you through choosing your vocabulary and communication board style. I recommend it to anyone who has to do AAC evals.