title: AAC assessment and clinical-decision making: the impact of experience.
abstract: People with complex communication needs often require a comprehensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment to maximize participation in daily interactions. Assessment of AAC is a complex process and limited practice guidelines exist. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how 25 speech-language pathologists with varying levels of experience approach the AAC assessment process. Participants were classified as either (a) General Practice Speech-Language Pathologists (GPSLPs), (b) AAC Clinical Specialists (AAC-CS), or (c) AAC Research/Policy Specialists (AAC-RS). In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the participants' approach to AAC assessment. The results revealed that GPSLPs approach AAC assessment differently than the AAC-CS and AAC-RS; however, the Specialists reported a similar approach that may help guide the development of practice guidelines for AAC assessment.
authors.affiliation: University of Cincinnati, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, OH 45267-0379, USA. aimee.dietz@uc.edu
authors.forename: Aimee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dietz
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Quach
authors.forename: Shelley K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lund
authors.forename: Miechelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKelvey
mesh_terms: D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods*