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What is the MCST-A?
The MCST-A is an informal evaluation tool used to assess whether people with severe aphasia can learn to use alternative or augmentative modalities to communicate (Beukelman & Light, 2020). It can help clinicians determine what types of AAC tools are the most beneficial for their clients, as well as guide intervention in terms of goals and objectives (Beukelman & Light, 2020). Using a sample communication book, clients will complete eight tasks: communicating concepts by selecting pictorial symbols, completing categories by selecting pictorial symbols, retelling a story by pointing to photos in sequence, completing interactions by choosing corresponding pictures and phrases, giving information about places by pointing to locations on a map, and supplementing communication efforts by spelling or gesturing (Beukelman & Light, 2020).
Who should I use the MCST-A with?
The MCST-A can be used to evaluate clients with many types of aphasia who may benefit from AAC tools
Administration of the MCST-A can help the clinician determine which category of communicator the person with aphasia falls into
Intervention is unique for each type of communicator; clinicians can target specific strategies and goals based on the client's needs
What goals does MCST-A address?
The MCST-A provides clinicians with more functional information than a typical aphasia battery
Focuses on what the client can do and what they may be able to do with varying types of support
Helps clinicians determine the type of communicator a client is, and what AAC tools might be the most helpful
Guides intervention in terms of where to start and setting goals for the future
Scoring
Clinicians will document the accuracy with which the client conveys each message
Description of Cues
Clinicians will also track the cues used to help the individual with aphasia achieve communication success
Evidence-Based Practice
Lasker & Garret (2006) suggest that the MCST-A can help distinguish between individuals who require partner support to indicate choices and those who can learn to use AAC tools to communicate independently. The data acquired on the amount and type of cuing can also help determine the level of support clients may need.
Researchers found that individuals who scored lower on the MCST-A were more likely to rely on partner-dependent communication strategies in their daily lives (Lasker & Garret, 2006). The two individuals that scored highest on the MCST-A learned to use complex AAC devices to communicate independently (Lasker & Garret, 2006).
References
Beukelman, D. R., & Light, J. C. (2020). Augmentative & Alternative Communication: Supporting Children and adults with complex communication needs. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc.
Garrett, K. & Lasker, J. (2007). Multimodal Communication Screening Task for Persons with Aphasia (MCST-A): Stimulus Booklet and Score Sheet.
Garrett, K. & Lasker, J. (2005). AAC Aphasia Categories of Communicators Checklist.
Lasker, J. P., & Garrett, K. L. (2006). Using the multimodal communication screening test for persons with aphasia to guide the selection of alternative communication strategies for people with aphasia. Aphasiology, 20(2-4), 217–232. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687030500473411
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