Functional Ability Scale (FAbS): Speech

A seven-point rating scale ranging from the least functional (Level 1) to independent (Level 7) to describe a patient's abilities over the course of intervention.

Related Major Focus Areas

Scoring Rubric

7 - Independent Production of speech is normal in all contexts or is appropriate for chronological age.
6 - Minor Speech intelligibility is good even with unfamiliar listener and/or context. A few inappropriate errors or speech patterns for developmental level are noted. Syllable errors or decreased rate may be noted. Frequently self-corrects.
5 - Mild Speech is intelligible approximately 75% of the time. Sound productions are noticeable in error. Phonological patterns that are not age appropriate may be present. Imprecise sequencing or coordination of speech sounds may be evident. Ability to self-correct is inconsistent. Social interactions consistent with chronological age may be affected.
4 - Moderate Speech is intelligible approximately 50% of the time. Repetition is required unless context is familiar. Sound errors are not developmentally appropriate. Substitutions, omissions, and distortions, or earlier phonological patterns continue to be noted. Errors in timing, sequencing, or coordinating speech sounds are noted. May use atypical speech patterns (e.g., backing, glottal stops). May avoid talking due to not being understood. Social interactions appropriate for chronological age are affected.
3 - Severe Speech is intelligible approximately 25% of the time. Occasionally single words and short phrases are understood when the context is known. Numerous substitutions, omissions, distortions, or phonological patterns are noted. Difficulty in controlling the timing, sequencing, coordination, and articulatory positions for speech are noted. May use atypical speech patterns (e.g., backing, glottal stops). Social interactions consistent with chronological age are affected.
2 - Major Speech attempts are intelligible less than 10% of the time. Limited use of speech for chronological age. Difficulty in controlling the timing, sequencing, coordination, and articulatory positions necessary to produce speech is noted. May use atypical speech patterns (e.g., backing, glottal stops). Social interactions appropriate for chronological age are affected.
1 - Profund No correct production of speech sounds. Sounds are not used functionally. Social interactions appropriate for chronological age are affected.