AAC Needs Assessment

An AAC Needs Assessment can be used in place of the AAC Intake. It is a more fleshed out document that allows an SLP to document more in depth information than the AAC Intake, including 1) previous or current communication tools used, literacy skills and symbol exposure. It can also be a document that outlines an AAC trial plan, including AAC trial strategies to be used. 

When making decisions regarding appropriate AAC tools for trial it is helpful to consider the wide variety of features that are available on AAC technology. This format supports the team to discuss the child's specific feature needs and determine what features are most essential when determining technology to trial. After this form is completed the team can use the AAC Features document located on the AAC Options page to match the needs of the child with the features of possible AAC options. 

When exploring the use of high-tech AAC options with children it can be helpful to document their initial responses to the technology. This document provides a format for SLPs to document the ways in which the child responds to, accepts and interacts with an AAC tool presented for the first time.

This document was created to develop an inventory of vocabulary to be included in an AAC system for children with ASD. This process is often not needed when the child is using a robust AAC app, because all of the vocabulary is already included, but it is helpful when creating a core and fringe communication book or board.