The ComFor-2 can be used to test which kind of interventions are suitable to improve communication for people with autism. It addresses two core questions: First, what is the most suitable form of augmented communication; And second, at which level can the means chosen be offered. The Comfor-2 is suitable for children and adults with a (psychomotor) developmental level of 12 to 60 months.
The ComFor-2 manual is available in Dutch, English, French, Swedish, German and Italian. The word cards are available in Dutch, English, French, Swedish, German, Italian, Spanish, Norwegian and Danish.
The ComFor-2 is a revised version of the broadly used ComFor. The test design and application are unchanged, but the test materials have been thoroughly reviewed and modernized. The new test kit can be used in combination with previously published manual and forms.
Description: The test consists of a range of sorting tasks. Clients are required to sort objects, photographs, pictures and words according to both their literally perceptible features ("presentation"), and their meaning ("representation").
The score on these tasks gives a clear indication of the level on which augmented communication should be offered. For example, does a picture of a cup only mean "cup", or can it be used to indicate an activity: "drinking".
The ComFor-2 is primarily developed for people with autism spectrum disorder, with little or no verbal communication.
Administration: During testing, the researcher is alone in the room with the client. Testing lasts approximately 45 minutes. Normally, the entire test is administered in one session. Breaks, or two-session testing can be done depending of the needs of the client.
Qualification level: level B
Norms: There are no norms for the ComFor-2, since it is developed to obtain an indication of suitable communicative interventions. The instrument is not meant for diagnosis. The manual contains extensive information on the interpretation and applications of the instrument.
A group of 623 children and adults have been tested with the ComFor. The series and levels of the ComFor and ComFor-2 showed good to very good internal consistencies, very good inter-rater reliability, and acceptable test-retest reliability.
More research with the ComFor has been published in a number of international journals. A small selection of recent and interesting articles:
2016