Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

When assessing a child who prefers to interact with her mother, what is the MOST APPROPRIATE means for the SLP to assess her?

1. Wait until she participates and administer standardized measures

2. Talk with her to elicit responses

3. Administer a standardized case history to her parents

4. Collect data through observation of her interactions with parents

The correct answer is: Collect data through observation of her interactions with parents

Choosing to collect data through observation of her interactions with her parents is the most appropriate means for the SLP to assess the child in this situation. Observing the child in a naturalistic setting allows the clinician to gather valuable insights into her spontaneous communication behaviors and preferences. By looking at how she interacts with her mother, the SLP can assess her language use, social skills, and any potential challenges in a context where she feels comfortable and secure. This kind of assessment method respects the child’s current preferences and encourages a non-intrusive approach, thus providing a more holistic view of her communicative abilities. Instead of forcing interaction through standardized measures or structured tasks, observation can highlight naturally occurring communication and give the SLP the opportunity to understand the child’s behavior in a familiar environment. In contrast, administering standardized measures may not be effective if the child is unwilling to engage in a structured assessment. Similarly, trying to elicit responses through conversation could intimidate her or feel unnatural, thereby skewing the results. Lastly, while obtaining a case history from parents is important, it would not provide direct insights into the child's actual communication style and behaviors. Therefore, observing her interactions is the best choice for gathering relevant and practical data.