Diagnosis of Communication Disorders

ion as possible should be used; those close to the "thing-level," as descriptive and removed from speculation and interpretive implications as possible. 4 DIAGNOSIS OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS-VAN HATTUM 3. Choose the most simple explanation that fits the facts — the simplest explanation consistent with the observed phenomenon is the most likely correct one. 4. Keep conclusions tentative rather than absolute—the tests administered and the history information represent finite samples of behavior. It is not always possible to arrive at ultimate clarification of the problem and it is often necessary to work from hypotheses. 5. Respect the relevance of norms — deviant behavior suggests variance from normal and, thus, a knowledge of "normal" is imperative. 6. Seek the counsel of other professionals — no one professional has all the answers — seek cooperative relationships. D E F I N I N G C O M M U N I C A T I O N