Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Flashcards

Which principle states that an individual does not need to demonstrate prerequisite cognitive or motor skills before receiving access to AAC?

Answer: The 'No Prerequisites' principle

The 'no prerequisites' principle holds that all individuals can benefit from AAC regardless of cognitive level, and no prerequisite skills should be required before providing access.

For an individual with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) who is beginning AAC, which consideration is MOST critical for long-term planning?

Answer: Proactively planning for progressive motor decline and identifying future access methods before they are urgently needed

Because ALS is progressive, AAC planning must anticipate future loss of motor control and introduce systems like eye gaze technology before the individual loses current access methods.

What does PECS stand for in the context of AAC intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder?

Answer: Picture Exchange Communication System

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a structured AAC approach that teaches individuals to hand a picture symbol to a communication partner to make requests.

Which of the following is a primary advantage of high-tech speech-generating devices (SGDs) over low-tech AAC systems?

Answer: They generate spoken voice output and can store extensive, customizable vocabularies

SGDs produce electronic voice output and can hold thousands of vocabulary items across multiple pages, enabling flexible, naturalistic communication.

When implementing AAC for an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which instructional context has the strongest evidence base?

Answer: Implementing AAC within naturalistic, functional communication contexts and everyday routines

Research consistently supports embedding AAC within naturalistic, meaningful contexts and daily routines to build functional communication skills in individuals with ASD.

Eye gaze technology in AAC systems functions primarily by:

Answer: Using infrared cameras and sensors to track the precise direction of the user's gaze for symbol selection

Eye gaze systems use infrared light and camera sensors to track exactly where on the screen the user is looking, enabling selection of symbols through directed gaze.

Which population would most benefit from a low-tech, alphabet-based AAC system such as a letter board?

Answer: An adult with acquired aphasia following stroke who retains functional literacy skills

Adults with acquired aphasia who retain literacy can use alphabet boards for spelling and partner-assisted scanning to communicate efficiently without high-tech devices.