Language and Communication Assessments (SALT)
What is a Language and Communication Assessment?
The term 'Language and Communication' refers to how we understand, use, and share information with others.
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Speech and Language Therapists use a range of:​ Clinical assessment tools, Self-report and Clinical observations.
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A detailed unique profile of an individual's language and communication skills is created.
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A good understanding of how communication impacts everyday life at home, school, work and within the community is developed.
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Recommendations for appropriate supports, strategies, and adaptations to help the individual communicate effectively and participate confidently in daily activities are provided.
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Speech and Language Assessment includes:
Understanding Spoken Language
Understanding instructions, abstract language, and non-literal language such as idioms, sarcasm and hints.
Expressive Language
Using spoken language to share thoughts, ideas and experiences, considering times when spoken language is not available or effective.
Non-Verbal Communication
Understanding and using non-verbal communication, including eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, body language, and tone of voice.
Conversation Skills
Starting, maintaining, expanding and ending conversations appropriately, taking turns, repairing misunderstandings, and adapting communication for familiar and unfamiliar people.
Functional communication
Communicating wants, needs and preferences effectively across a range of everyday situations, including within the wider community.
Assertiveness and self-advocacy
Expressing opinions, setting boundaries, refusing requests, asking for help, and advocating for personal needs in a respectful and effective way.
Client
I finally got the answers I’d been looking for. In spite of having little to no knowledge about ASD (and not thinking I ever would), Autism North East have provided an outstanding example of how to thoroughly, accurately and efficiently assess and diagnose a person whose voice has not been heard.
Parent
The team are lovely and friendly and immediately tried to put my son at ease.
Parent
If anyone is looking for a reliable and friendly team to carry out an assessment then I wholeheartedly recommend Autism North East.
Parent
From the very beginning, communication was exceptional. Every step of the process was clearly explained to us — who would be involved, what would happen, how long each stage would take, and where assessments would take place
