Communication Matrix: A clinical and research assessment tool targeting children with severe communication disorders

Charity Rowland, Melanie Fried-Oken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Communication Matrix [20] is an assessment instrument that is designed to evaluate the expressive communication skills of children with severe and multiple disabilities. It accommodates any type of communicative behavior, including forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) such as picture systems, electronic devices, sign language and 3-dimensional symbols; pre-symbolic communication such as gestures, body movements, sounds, eye gaze and facial expressions; as well as the typical forms of communication such as speech and writing. It covers seven levels of communication observed in typically developing infants during the first two years of life. The instrument, which is widely used to assess children with severe acquired and congenital disorders in community and school settings, is appropriate for both inpatient and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation. Data from an associated database demonstrating the value of this tool for clinical service and research are presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)319-329
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Keywords

  • Assessment
  • communication skills
  • online tool

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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