What does an AAC assessment predict in terms of functioning?

An AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) assessment is designed to evaluate an individual's communication needs and identify suitable AAC systems and strategies to enhance their ability to communicate effectively. One of the primary goals of this assessment is to predict functioning outcomes, which involves understanding how the individual will be able to use the selected AAC tools and methods to communicate within various contexts.

Predictions of functioning outcomes take into account the individual's current communication abilities, their environment, and the potential impact of the AAC system on their daily interactions, academic performance, and social engagement. In essence, the AAC assessment helps caregivers and professionals anticipate how the chosen communication aids will facilitate the user's communication skills, leading to improved overall functioning.

The other options—while they may relate to aspects of the individual's experience or treatment—do not capture the core objective of the AAC assessment as effectively. For instance, predicting long-term disability potential focuses more on the overarching prognosis rather than immediate communication needs. Social integration levels reflect a broader social context, while speech therapy success specifically pertains to verbal communication improvement, which is outside the main focus of AAC assessments. Thus, the accurate representation of what an AAC assessment predicts is indeed centered on the outcomes related to functioning.