Neurofunctional assessment protocol as a guide to the AAC tools selection in subjects with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Introduction: From the need for a neurofuncionnal assement protocol to help the selection of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), it was constructed the Neurofuncionnal Assement Protocol from Motor Disabilities (NAPMD). Objective: Building a neurofuncionnal assessment protocol and relate the kinds of neurofunctional changes found with CAA resources for use in each subject. Method: Support the clinical-qualitative method, linking it with the specifics of speech therapy in neurofuncionnal interface. The protocol is based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - ICF, favoring the choice of resources for the use of the CAA by subjects with disabilities. Six subjects were evaluated . Results: At first it was constructed the NAPMD. It was then performed neurofuncionnal evaluation of subjects, concerning the body parts that interfere with the use of AAC; and from neurofunctional specificities and level classification found in the evaluation were made the AAC resources for each subject, like pictographic boards, drivers and software. Conclusion: Through this study, we found that neurofunctional changes can influence the choices of AAC tools and how the protocol built-NAPMD was important for the selection of these tools.