Speech & Language Therapy (SALT) Assessments

Understanding Communication to Unlock Learning and Connection

Communication sits at the heart of how individuals learn, build relationships, and navigate the world around them. At ABA ConnectEd, our Speech and Language Therapy assessments are designed to uncover not just what an individual can or cannot say, but how communication functions in everyday life. We focus on understanding communication as a tool for expression, interaction, and independence, ensuring that assessment outcomes are meaningful and directly inform real world support.

Our assessments take a broad and detailed view of communication development. We explore how language is understood and used, how individuals engage socially, and how effectively they communicate across different people and environments. Where verbal communication is limited or inconsistent, we carefully consider the role of alternative and augmentative communication to ensure that no individual is left without a reliable way to express needs, choices, and emotions. This approach allows us to identify both immediate priorities and longer term communication goals.

What Our Assessments Explore in Practice

Rather than relying on a single measure or setting, our assessments draw on observation, structured interaction, and collaboration with those who know the individual best. This enables us to build a realistic picture of communication strengths and challenges as they present day to day.

Areas explored within our assessments include

• Expressive communication and language use

• Understanding of spoken language and instructions

• Social interaction and pragmatic skills

• Functional communication across routines and settings

• Suitability and implementation considerations for AAC

From Assessment to Aligned Support

Assessment findings are translated into clear guidance that supports consistent communication strategies across environments. Recommendations are practical, achievable, and focused on enabling communication to support learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation. We avoid isolated targets and instead prioritise communication skills that enhance participation and reduce frustration.

A key distinction of our service is the way Speech and Language Therapy is embedded within our multidisciplinary model. Our SALT team works closely with ABA and Occupational Therapy professionals to ensure communication goals are reinforced across all interventions. This joined up approach creates consistency, reduces conflicting strategies, and strengthens outcomes. By aligning communication support across disciplines, ABA ConnectEd delivers a level of cohesion and quality that supports meaningful progress and long term communication success.