Communicatieniveau bepalen bij mensen met het syndroom van Down: inventarisatie en beoordeling van instrumenten

Various aspects of (pre)linguistic language development are delayed or less developed in people with Down syndrome (DS), possibly leading to communication difficulties and problem behavior. Although augmentative and alternative communication is needed, efficient procedures adapted to people with DS to identify the most suitable augmentative and alternative communication for an individual are lacking. Consequently, one has to rely on trial-and-error in current intellectual disability care. This literature review aims to provide an overview and evaluation of existing instruments for determining the communication level of people with DS. A systematic literature search was conducted to obtain articles in which relevant instruments were mentioned. These instruments were described and assessed according to six predefined criteria based on literature about specific problems of people with DS. Applicability of instruments for this population was assessed. Out of 1480 articles retrieved, 35 articles were analyzed, finally identifying 23 different instruments. Among other characteristics, study population, aims and instruments used have been described per study. Target group, materials, duration, norms, reliability and validity have been described per instrument. After rating the 23 instruments according to the criteria, one instrument met all aforementioned criteria and six instruments met five out of six criteria. ComFor seems to be the most suitable instrument. Adjustments to the instrument are considered advisable for people with DS.