Language Development & User Support Strategies Flashcards

An SLP working with a minimally verbal adult with autism wants to increase functional requests. Which approach has the strongest evidence base for this population?

Answer: Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) embedded in daily routines

NDBIs combine behavioral principles with naturalistic contexts and have strong evidence for increasing functional communication in minimally verbal individuals with autism.

When an AAC user produces a multi-modal message using speech, gestures, and device output simultaneously, the SLP should:

Answer: Accept and respond to the full message, acknowledging all communication modes

AAC users should be encouraged to use all available modalities; accepting multi-modal communication validates the full communicative attempt.

A school-age AAC user consistently uses their device for requesting but never for commenting or sharing information. The SLP's priority should be to:

Answer: Expand communication functions to include commenting, questioning, and social interaction

A balanced communicative profile includes multiple functions; over-reliance on requesting limits social participation and language development.

The SETT framework used in AAC decision-making stands for:

Answer: Student, Environments, Tasks, and Tools

The SETT framework guides AAC and assistive technology decisions by evaluating the Student, Environments where communication occurs, Tasks the student needs to do, and appropriate Tools.

A toddler's AAC team is discussing 'robust vocabulary.' Which characteristic MOST defines a robust AAC vocabulary set?

Answer: Provides sufficient core and fringe words to support a wide range of communicative functions and contexts

A robust vocabulary includes core words plus relevant fringe vocabulary that together support varied communicative functions across multiple contexts.

When counseling a family resistant to AAC because they fear it will 'give up' on their child's speech, the SLP's BEST response is to:

Answer: Share research evidence showing AAC supports rather than replaces speech development

Sharing evidence that AAC does not inhibit and often supports speech development addresses the family's core concern and builds trust for collaborative decision-making.

Which prompt hierarchy strategy involves starting with the least supportive prompt and only increasing support if the user does not respond?

Answer: Least-to-most prompting

Least-to-most prompting begins with the least intrusive cue and escalates support only as needed, promoting independence and avoiding prompt dependency.