Assessing and Developing Communication and Thinking Skills in People with Autism and Communication Difficulties

Originally devised to develop the communication skills of children with autism spectrum disorders, this practical guide can be used effectively with anyone with communication difficulties. The photocopiable assessment and planning records will enable professionals to build up a detailed picture of how an individual communicates and understands language, and to set appropriate targets based on his or her particular strengths and weaknesses. The assessment record has been devised to allow professionals to record expressive communication, functional use of communication, understanding and social interaction. It will help professionals to focus on their own use of language when communicating with person with ASDs. It also presents guidelines for the selection appropriate targets to work towards, and to create a detailed assessment plan. This is aided by a useful summary sheet for tracking progress.