The Communication Matrix: Using the Results to Promote Progress

Children who present with complex communication needs (CNN) along with vision, hearing and sensory motor issues present educators and support staff with a unique challenge during an evaluation. The Communication Matrix offers a clear way to organize our observations of a child’s early communication abilities and from which to consider communication partner strategies for growth. Karen will review case examples based on the results of different profiles illustrated on the Communication Matrix grid. Emphasis will be on emergent communication and the cohesive implementation of receptive strategies to promote the learner’s advancement toward being a symbolic communicator. With each level on the Matrix, the following will be discussed:

• Receptive considerations of partner communication strategies,
• how and why aided symbol input makes sense,
• modification of symbols to enhance attention (vision and auditory),
• analysis of forms and functions to guide decision making,
• promoting engagement in literacy, beginning with the familiar,
• sample IEP objectives