Which professional is likely involved in conducting assessments for children requiring AAC?

The speech-language pathologist is a professional who specializes in communication disorders and is adept at evaluating and providing interventions for individuals who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. They have the training needed to assess a child's communication abilities and challenges, which is essential in determining the most appropriate AAC options. This includes understanding the child's speech and language development, their social communication skills, and any cognitive factors that may influence their communication needs.

While behavior analysts, clinical psychologists, and educational consultants may also play roles in the broader context of a child's education and development, they do not typically have the specialized skills and training required to perform detailed assessments specifically related to AAC needs. Behavior analysts focus more on assessing and modifying behaviors, clinical psychologists may address broader mental health issues, and educational consultants provide guidance in educational settings. However, it is the speech-language pathologist who is most directly involved in the assessment and implementation of communication strategies that support individuals requiring AAC.