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What is Communication Intention Inventory?

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Summary

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The Communication Intention Inventory (CII) is a tool that helps professionals watch and record how young children communicate on purpose. It was made in 1981 by professors Truman Coggins and Robert Carpenter to help evaluate kids between 8 and 24 months old.

Frequently Asked Question

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How does the Communication Intention Inventory benefit kids?

It helps professionals pinpoint a child’s communication strengths and areas that need support, paving the way for personalized guidance.

Is the Inventory only for kids with communication challenges?

While it’s especially useful for kids with communication challenges, it can provide insights for any child’s communicative development.

How often should the Communication Intention Inventory be done?

It’s best to consult with professionals, but periodic assessments can track progress and adapt strategies as a child grows.

Scientific Definition

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The Communicative Intention Inventory (CII) is an assessment tool designed to systematically observe and document a child’s early intentional communication behaviors. Developed by Truman Coggins and Robert Carpenter in 1981, the CII provides a structured framework for evaluating the communicative abilities of children aged 8 to 24 months. By assessing a child’s use of gestures, vocalizations, and other nonverbal cues, the CII helps professionals identify areas of strength and potential delays in early communication development.

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Real World Example of Communication Intention Inventory

To better understand how the Communication Intention Inventory (CII) is used, let’s look at the story of Liam, a 14-month-old boy.

  • Observation: Liam’s speech therapist, Sarah, observes him during a play session with his parents. She notes how Liam communicates his wants and needs.
  • Documentation: Using the CII, Sarah records Liam’s gestures, vocalizations, and eye contact. She notices that he points to desired objects and makes simple sounds to get his parents’ attention.
  • Analysis: After the session, Sarah analyzes the data collected using the CII. She identifies areas where Liam is communicating effectively and areas that may require additional support.
  • Intervention planning: Based on the CII results, Sarah develops a targeted intervention plan to help Liam expand his communication skills. She shares strategies with Liam’s parents to encourage his development at home.

By using the CII, Sarah gains valuable insights into Liam’s early communication abilities, enabling her to provide personalized support for his ongoing growth and development.

How Does Communication Intention Inventory Work?

The Communication Intention Inventory (CII) is a valuable tool for assessing early communication skills in young children. Here’s how it works:

  • Structured observation: A trained professional observes the child in a natural setting, such as during play or interaction with caregivers.
  • Recording communicative behaviors: The observer documents the child’s use of gestures, vocalizations, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues.
  • Categorizing intentions: The observed behaviors are categorized into different communicative intentions, such as requesting, protesting, or commenting.
  • Scoring and analysis: The frequency and variety of the child’s communicative behaviors are scored and analyzed to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Age Range Key Communicative Behaviors
8-12 months Gestures, vocalizations, eye contact
12-18 months Pointing, showing, giving, simple words
18-24 months Combining gestures and words, two-word phrases

The CII provides a comprehensive picture of a child’s early communication skills, helping professionals and parents understand their unique needs and develop targeted interventions to support their language development.

 

This post was originally published on August 11, 2023. It was updated on May 9, 2024.