Adaptive Symbol Comprehension Assessment (ASCA)

A comprehensive AAC assessment that evaluates symbol comprehension, categorization, visual load tolerance, scanning, organization, and syntax—built specifically for older learners with autism and complex communication needs.

The Adaptive Symbol Comprehension Assessment (ASCA) gives educators the tools they need to make evidence-based, individualized AAC recommendations for teen and young adult learners. Instead of guessing which AAC symbols “might” work, the ASCA provides clear, objective, observable data across foundational skill areas required for functional communication and successful AAC use.

Perfect for SLPs, special educators, transition teams, and AAC specialists, this assessment was designed to address the limitations of many standardized and criterion-referenced tools. Every subtest includes multiple demonstration opportunities and a generous item set to ensure you're capturing a true, meaningful picture of your learner’s abilities.

⭐ What Makes the ASCA Unique?

✔ Designed for Older Learners

Age-appropriate, functional vocabulary and visuals for teens and young adults in school, community, home, and vocational environments.

✔ Evaluates Skills No Other AAC Assessment Measures - The ASCA is the only commercially available tool that directly tests:

• Response to color-coded displays

• Consistent symbol location (motor planning and automaticity)

✔ Provides Actionable AAC Design Recommendations

Results guide decisions on:
• Symbol type selection
• Display layout
• Category organization
• Grid size
• Color-coding
• Motor-planning supports
• Scanning and attention expectations

✔ Assesses All Major Symbol Types

• Complex symbols

• Simple symbols

• Photographs

• Text

Teams can determine exactly which symbol representations support the learner’s comprehension.

⭐ FULL ASSESSMENT BREAKDOWN

SECTION A • Symbol Understanding & Abstraction

Evaluates the learner’s comprehension of increasingly abstract symbol types and how they interpret visual differences.
Includes:
• Symbol Representation Level Subtest
• Feature-Based Symbol Discrimination Subtest
• Function-Based Symbol Discrimination Subtest
• Core Vocabulary Understanding Subtest

SECTION B • Categorization & Organization Skills

Determines how the learner understands and uses vocabulary categories—critical for designing effective AAC page layouts.
Includes:
• Superordinate Category Sorting Subtest
• Grammatically-Based Category Sorting Subtest
• Activity-Based Category Sorting Subtest
• Category Exclusion Subtest
• Semantic Relationship Matching Subtest

SECTION C • Grid Size, Visual Load, & Scanning Tolerance

Measures how the learner handles increasing visual load, field size, color-coding systems, and positional consistency. These skills directly inform AAC system setup.
Includes:
• Zero-Field Symbol Recognition Subtest
• Multi-Field Symbol Discrimination Subtest
• Color-Coded Display Performance Subtest
• Location-Based Performance Subtest

SECTION D • Syntax

Evaluates the learner’s ability to combine symbols to produce functional, meaningful messages.
Includes:
• Symbol Combination Subtest

⭐ ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS INCLUDED

✔ Response Form

• Easy use, with verbal directions for the learner on the form itself

• Clean, organized scoring pages for accurate data collection, progress monitoring, and IEP alignment.

✔ Full Questionnaire Set for Holistic Evaluation

• Parent/Family Questionnaire
• Teacher Questionnaire
• Occupational Therapist Questionnaire
• Physical Therapist Questionnaire
• Teacher of the Deaf Questionnaire
• Paraprofessional Questionnaire

These tools gather communication insights across all daily environments.

⭐ Why the ASCA Works

Standardized assessments and even many criterion-referenced evaluation tools often underestimate the abilities of learners with complex communication needs. The ASCA was intentionally designed to change that.

✓ Multiple demonstration items per subtest to reduce task confusion
✓ 20 test items in most subtests for a rich, accurate skill profile
✓ Breaks down symbol comprehension into precise, teachable components
✓ Captures strengths, emerging skills, and areas for growth
✓ Links results directly to practical AAC design and implementation
✓ Supports communication across school, home, community, and vocational settings

⭐ Perfect For:

✔ AAC evaluations
✔ Autism support programs (middle school → transition)
✔ Complex communication needs
✔ Functional communication assessment
✔ Selecting symbol types for AAC systems
✔ Device trialing and feature matching
✔ IEP present levels & progress monitoring
✔ Life-skills and vocational programs

By purchasing this product, you are granted a single-user license for one individual. The cost of $199.99 provides one (1) license for one (1) individual for the duration of one (1) year to access and use this assessment.

This product is intended for use by one individual only and may not be shared, distributed, copied, reproduced, or posted online in any form. All rights are reserved by the creator. Unauthorized reproduction, sharing, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

⭐ If you're interested in a discounted rate for multiple licenses for school district or clinic use, please reach out to me directly for a customized package!