AAC Language Development & User Support Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A key principle of 'communication first' philosophy in AAC is that:
- Speech development must precede AAC introduction
- AAC should only be used after traditional speech therapy has failed
- Every individual has the right to communicate regardless of speech ability (Correct answer)
- AAC is a last resort when all other interventions are exhausted
Correct answer: Every individual has the right to communicate regardless of speech ability
The communication first philosophy holds that communication is a fundamental right and AAC should be provided without requiring prior speech therapy failure.
Question 2: When programming core vocabulary on an AAC device, which word class should be prioritized because it comprises the majority of everyday communication?
- Nouns representing common objects
- Verbs, pronouns, prepositions, and other function words (Correct answer)
- Category labels and descriptive adjectives
- Proper nouns and names of familiar people
Correct answer: Verbs, pronouns, prepositions, and other function words
Core vocabulary consists primarily of high-frequency function words (verbs, pronouns, prepositions) that make up roughly 80% of everyday communication.
Question 3: An SLP is training a parent to use 'aided language stimulation.' This technique requires the partner to:
- Speak slowly and loudly while pointing to pictures in a book
- Point to symbols on the AAC system while speaking naturally (Correct answer)
- Withhold desired items until the user activates the device
- Reduce verbal output so the AAC user must initiate
Correct answer: Point to symbols on the AAC system while speaking naturally
Aided language stimulation (ALgS) involves communication partners modeling AAC use by pointing to symbols on the device while speaking in natural contexts.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a 'light-tech' AAC strategy?
- An iPad running a robust AAC app with dynamic display
- A voice output communication aid (VOCA) with digitized speech
- A printed communication board with line-drawn symbols (Correct answer)
- Eye-gaze technology with text-to-speech output
Correct answer: A printed communication board with line-drawn symbols
Light-tech (or low-tech) AAC includes non-electronic or simple aids such as printed communication boards, books, and symbol charts.
Question 5: Research on AAC and language development consistently shows that providing robust AAC systems to young children:
- Inhibits natural speech development
- Has no effect on speech development either way
- Supports or has no negative effect on natural speech development (Correct answer)
- Should be delayed until age 5 to avoid speech suppression
Correct answer: Supports or has no negative effect on natural speech development
Multiple studies confirm that AAC introduction does not hinder and may actually support natural speech development in children.
Question 6: During a naturalistic teaching session, an SLP creates a 'communication temptation' by placing a preferred item in view but out of reach. The PRIMARY purpose of this strategy is to:
- Assess the user's cognitive understanding of cause and effect
- Create a genuine need for the user to initiate a communicative act (Correct answer)
- Practice device navigation and page-turning skills
- Evaluate receptive language comprehension abilities
Correct answer: Create a genuine need for the user to initiate a communicative act
Communication temptations create real motivational opportunities for the user to initiate communication by engineering a situation where communication is functionally necessary.
Question 7: What does 'presuming competence' mean in the context of AAC practice?
- Assuming the user can learn to read before providing literacy-based AAC
- Providing the most robust AAC system possible assuming the user can grow into it
- Assessing cognitive ability before determining AAC eligibility
- Presuming the user understands more than they can currently express (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Presuming the user understands more than they can currently express
Presuming competence means assuming the AAC user has greater understanding and potential than their current output suggests, and providing access accordingly.
AAC Language Development & User Support Strategies 3
A key principle of 'communication first' philosophy in AAC is that: