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

TLDR

The Communication Matrix is an assessment tool for expressive communication skills in children with severe and multiple disabilities, covering seven developmental levels and accommodating all forms of communication—from AAC to speech—and is widely used in community and school settings for inpatient and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation. Database data demonstrate the tool’s value for clinical service and research.

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.