Determining an Effective Language Sample Elicitation Strategy for Early Language Learners Who Speak Using...

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Developmental psychology
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) research

Background:

• Effective language assessment is crucial for early language learners using AAC.
• Identifying optimal elicitation strategies ensures accurate data collection for intervention planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate three language sample elicitation strategies for early language learners using AAC.
• To determine the most valid strategy for assessing language development in this population.

Main Methods:

• Ten children using AAC participated in the study.
• Language samples were collected using the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS), a play-based strategy, and automatic data logging.
• Data were correlated with Communication Matrix results to assess validity.

Main Results:

• The CSBS and play-based strategy yielded clinically relevant data.
• The play-based strategy showed the most correlations with Communication Matrix results, indicating higher validity.
• The CSBS elicited the most data, suggesting its utility for assessing expressive language limits.

Conclusions:

• A play-based elicitation strategy appears most valid for assessing early language learners using AAC.
• The CSBS is a potentially effective tool for measuring the expressive language capabilities of this population.