CASP Development
The Communication Assessment Profile (CASP)
CASP is the only UK standardised assessment for use with adults with learning disabilities.
Development and Global Impact of CASP: A Tool for use Adults with Learning Disabilities
CASP was designed by Dr Anna van der Gaag CBE whilst she was working as a speech and language therapist. She is currently a Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey. She was awarded a Queen’s Honour for services to health and care in 2015.
Co-production was at the heart of this assessment from the start. 346 adults with learning disabilities, 60 therapists and 400 care workers worked on its development. You can find out more about the research in our publications.
CASP is also used
- as an outcome measure
- to see whether communication skills have improved
- with children and young people with autism
- with people with dementia
Commenting on CASP, Anna says
“Of all the projects I have been involved with over my career, CASP continues to be closest to my heart and the tool I am most proud of. I’m delighted it continues to be used in so many settings and countries. It is a testament to the hard work of many people and to the values of equity and inclusion.
At the time of its development, there were no communication assessments designed specifically for adults with learning disabilities. Co-production was not widespread in the way that it is today, but the people with learning disabilities, the carers and therapists who worked with me embraced it, and lived it”.
CASP: Recommended Assessment for Adults with Learning Disabilities
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (UK) (now the Learning and Work Institute) recommended CASP as an appropriate method of assessment for adults with learning disabilities.
Contact us
enquiries@speechprofiles.co.uk