TEAM: A Taxonomy of Clinical Decision-Making for Communication Intervention in People With Severe Intellectual Disability Including AAC

Abstract

Planning intervention for a person with severe intellectual disabilities is complex and involves integration of assessment findings within a number of frameworks to create functionally relevant and client-focused goals. Novice clinicians frequently find this process daunting and may be tempted by published packages which may be lacking in evidence of their effectiveness. The heterogeneity of the population means that not all intervention packages will be suitable for all. This paper proposes a taxonomy to support student and novice SLPs working with those with intellectual disabilities to develop holistic, ecologically valid goals and identify suitable intervention approaches.

Keywords::

• Augmentative And Alternative Communication
• Clinical Decision-Making
• Goal-Setting
• Novice Clinicians
• Severe Intellectual Disability

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andy Smidt

Andy Smidt (@AndySmidt) is a lecturer and researcher in lifelong disability and AAC at the University of Sydney.