Preparing for a Diagnostic Interview of People with Mental and Speech Disorders, Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Case Study

Objectives. Conducting diagnostic assessment of people with mental disorders who do not use speech as the main mean of communication is closely related to evaluating their abilities (communicative, social, cognitive) for participating in an interview, including their readiness to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). To evaluate these capabilities and form the communicative involvement of respondents, research was carried out on the selection of AAC tools at the preparatory stage of the diagnostic interview to determine their degree of independence and required assistance.

Methods. The study involved 50 respondents aged 17 to 58 years with intellectual disabilities, autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, living in psycho-neurological residential facilities. Their mental states and specifics of speech disorders varied. To achieve the research objectives, the case method was chosen. In addition to AAC tools and visual aids, directed observation, a learning game situation, and implementation of practical tasks were used. The results were recorded as case study.

Results. The necessary materials for the successful conduct of the interview’s preparatory stage were selected: objects, im ages, and symbols. The tasks of the preparatory stage were formulated: explaining the purposes of the interview, obtaining consent, identifying available methods of communication, providing communicative support, and training to use communi cative symbols. It was revealed that, due to an individual differentiated approach, the case method is effective in achieving the goals of the interview’s preparatory stage and ensuring the direct participation of respondents in the interview.

Conclusions. Direct participation in a diagnostic interview of respondents with mental disorders who do not use speech as the main means of communication can be ensured by organizing the preparatory stage of the interview. During this stage, the optimal AAC and visual aids for each respondent were selected, and additional training opportunities for new AAC tools were used. As a result, recommendations were prepared for the residential facilities on their further work with respondents, the success of which needs to be verified.

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