Speech-language pathologists use multiple assessment tools for children and adults.
Speech-language pathologists work with a variety of clientele. They evaluate the speech, language and hearing abilities of children and adults with communications disorders, autism, physical impairments and learning disabilities, among others. A speech-language assessment involves several tests. There are more than 35 types of assessments for speech-language pathology, including the Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns, the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) and the Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding (TAWF).
Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns
The Hodson Assessment of Phonological Patterns, also known as the HAPP-3--currently in its third revision--helps speech-language pathologists assess the phonological abilities of children over 2 years of age, who are highly unintelligible. Phonological processes refer to the way children simplify adult words while learning speak. For example, a child might say "wa wa" for "water". The test involves showing the child several objects, for which the child provides names. The HAPP-3 takes around five minutes and is a quick indicator of a child's abilities. It also shows the pathologist which areas need the most focus.
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals
The Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, or CELF-4 (fourth edition), is typically administered to children ages 5 to 16, though a preschool version is available. The CELF-4 helps speech-language pathologists evaluate the basic content and foundation of a child's language abilities to diagnose the presence of a language disorder. The assessment evaluates several areas, including word meanings, sentence structures and auditory recall. The CELF takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Degrees of Reading Power
The Degrees of Reading Power, or DRP, is typically administered to all students to gauge reading comprehension abilities. Children fill in the blanks to answer questions about paragraphs they have read. The test also assists teachers and pathologists in identifying special needs groups, like those who are behind peers, along with students who are gifted and advanced beyond their peers.
Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding
The Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding (TAWF) assessment is used for adults and children, to measure word-finding abilities and semantics, or comprehension of the meaning of language. The test consists of five sections, where students name pictures and try to discern words based on cues from the administrator, such as descriptions or categories. The informal TAWF is a fast way to assess the test subject's speed and accuracy in finding words, while the formal TAWF gives more comprehensive results. The tests are usually given together and take about 50 minutes to complete.
Tags: Adolescent Adult, Adolescent Adult Word, , , Assessment Phonological, , Clinical Evaluation