AAC Family Training & Support 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When training families on AAC vocabulary selection, which approach promotes generalization across environments?
- Teaching only school-specific vocabulary
- Focusing on core vocabulary that is functional in multiple settings (Correct answer)
- Selecting vocabulary based solely on the SLP's preference
- Limiting vocabulary to single-word responses
Correct answer: Focusing on core vocabulary that is functional in multiple settings
Core vocabulary is high-frequency and functional across multiple environments, promoting generalization.
Question 2: A family asks how long it will take before their child communicates effectively with AAC. What is the most appropriate response?
- Guarantee results within 6 months with consistent use
- Explain that timelines vary and consistent family practice is one key factor (Correct answer)
- Avoid discussing expectations to prevent disappointment
- State that AAC effectiveness depends entirely on the device quality
Correct answer: Explain that timelines vary and consistent family practice is one key factor
Timelines are individualized, and honest communication about variability while emphasizing family role supports realistic expectations.
Question 3: What does 'presuming competence' mean in the context of family training?
- Assuming families already know how to use AAC without training
- Treating the AAC user as a capable communicator regardless of current performance (Correct answer)
- Presuming the AAC system is working correctly at all times
- Assuming all family members will adopt AAC strategies equally
Correct answer: Treating the AAC user as a capable communicator regardless of current performance
Presuming competence means treating AAC users as capable communicators and designing support around that assumption.
Question 4: During a home visit, the SLP notices the AAC device is often left in another room. What is the most effective family training intervention?
- Recommend the family purchase a second device
- Discuss AAC availability strategies and problem-solve barriers to device access (Correct answer)
- Report the family for non-compliance
- Discontinue services until the family demonstrates readiness
Correct answer: Discuss AAC availability strategies and problem-solve barriers to device access
Collaboratively problem-solving device availability barriers is more effective than punitive measures.
Question 5: A grandparent who provides primary childcare resists AAC, believing 'the child will talk eventually.' How should the SLP approach this?
- Exclude the grandparent from training to avoid conflict
- Provide education on AAC myths, share evidence, and address concerns with empathy (Correct answer)
- Agree to use AAC only when the grandparent is absent
- Document refusal and close the case
Correct answer: Provide education on AAC myths, share evidence, and address concerns with empathy
Addressing misconceptions with evidence and empathy builds trust and increases caregiver buy-in.
Question 6: Which of the following best reflects a 'family coaching' model versus a 'hands-on' therapy model?
- The SLP directly works with the child while the family observes passively
- The SLP guides family members to implement strategies themselves during sessions (Correct answer)
- The SLP provides weekly written reports without face-to-face family interaction
- The SLP makes all AAC decisions independently to save family time
Correct answer: The SLP guides family members to implement strategies themselves during sessions
Family coaching builds caregiver capacity by guiding them to implement strategies, rather than the SLP doing therapy while families watch.
Question 7: A family wants to set an AAC goal of 'using 50 words.' Why might the SLP recommend a participation-based goal instead?
- Participation goals are easier to write in documentation
- Participation goals focus on meaningful communication in real activities, not word counts (Correct answer)
- Word count goals require more expensive equipment
- Participation goals do not require family training
Correct answer: Participation goals focus on meaningful communication in real activities, not word counts
Participation-based goals measure functional communication in real life contexts, which is more meaningful than isolated word counts.
AAC Family Training & Support 3
When training families on AAC vocabulary selection, which approach promotes generalization across environments?