Foundations of Assessment

Question 1

Assessment vs. Diagnosis

Answer 1

Assessment (evaluation):
- collection of info, integration of info, interpretation of info
-Dx (diagnositics)
-Tx (treatment)

Diagnosis:
- outcome of an assessment (clinical decision about presence/absence of disorder)
-assignment of diagnostic label

Question 2

Elements/process of Assessment

Answer 2

1. case history
2. interview
3. hearing screening
4. oral motor exam
5. speech-lang testing

Question 3

Importance of obtaining a case history form prior to assessment session

Answer 3

Starting point for understanding clients and their communication problems

Allows for:
- Planning of specific areas to assess
-Identification of topics that require further clarification
-pre-selection of assessment materials and procedures

Question 4

Three phrases of interview

Answer 4

1. Opening phase:
   - Introduce yourself
   - Provide general timeline
   - Provide overview of schedule
   - Let them know that the questions you ask may be redundant (sometimes changing phrasing gives a different answer)
2. Body of the Interview:
3. Closing phase:
   - Summarize the major points that were discussed during the body of the interview
   • Particularly the ones that you need to clarify/confirm for written report
     - Thank the caregiver for the disclosure of the information
     - Review (again) what the rest of the session will entail

Question 5

Importance of oral mech exam and hearing screening

Answer 5

an evaluation of oral and hearing structures and functions that may contribute to a speech or swallowing disorder.

Question 6

Diadochokinesis (what it is, what to look for)

Answer 6

or sequential motion rates, are used to evaluate a client’s ability to produce rapidly alternating speech movements.

Things to look for:

• Pitch changes
• Rhythm changes
• Rate - how many syllables in 10sec OR how long to say 10-20 iterations
• Inconsistent rate (fast and slow)
• Errors (e.g., voicing, deletion “pay-cake”, “puh-kuh-tuh”)