DDA Communication Strategies & Behavioral Support 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client who communicates using a low-tech picture board is transitioning to a new group home. What communication-related step is most critical during this transition?
- Start the client on a new high-tech AAC device immediately
- Ensure all new staff are trained on how to use and respond to the client's picture board (Correct answer)
- Reduce the picture board vocabulary until the client adjusts to the new environment
- Ask family to take over all communication responsibilities during the adjustment period
Correct answer: Ensure all new staff are trained on how to use and respond to the client's picture board
Continuity of communication support requires that all new caregivers understand and consistently respond to the client's established communication system.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'behavior pathway' in a behavior support plan?
- It describes the medication protocol for behavior management
- It maps the sequence from setting events and antecedents through the behavior to consequences, identifying points for intervention (Correct answer)
- It lists all behaviors the client has ever displayed
- It outlines the client's daily schedule to prevent boredom
Correct answer: It maps the sequence from setting events and antecedents through the behavior to consequences, identifying points for intervention
A behavior pathway visually traces the escalation cycle, helping staff identify early warning signs and the best moments to intervene proactively.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of 'errorless learning' in teaching a new communication skill?
- Allowing the client to make errors and correcting them after the fact
- Providing the answer or a prompt immediately so the client always responds correctly (Correct answer)
- Repeating the same instruction until the client responds without help
- Reinforcing all attempts regardless of accuracy
Correct answer: Providing the answer or a prompt immediately so the client always responds correctly
Errorless learning provides immediate prompts so the individual always succeeds, building confidence and preventing the practice of incorrect responses.
Question 4: A client's challenging behavior has been decreasing since a new BSP was implemented. What should staff do with ongoing data collection?
- Stop data collection since the plan is working
- Collect data only when the behavior occurs
- Continue systematic data collection to monitor progress and guide plan modifications (Correct answer)
- Transfer data collection responsibilities to the client's family
Correct answer: Continue systematic data collection to monitor progress and guide plan modifications
Ongoing data collection is essential to confirm behavior change trends, detect regression, and determine when to fade intervention components.
Question 5: A person with a developmental disability is in a public setting and begins displaying a challenging behavior. Which response aligns best with positive behavior support principles?
- Remove the person from the situation as quickly as possible using physical guidance
- Calmly use pre-planned de-escalation strategies from the behavior support plan (Correct answer)
- Warn the client that privileges will be lost if the behavior continues
- Ignore the behavior until it stops to avoid reinforcing it in public
Correct answer: Calmly use pre-planned de-escalation strategies from the behavior support plan
Positive behavior support requires using pre-planned, person-centered de-escalation strategies that maintain the individual's dignity in all settings including public ones.
Question 6: Which scenario best illustrates 'natural consequence teaching' in communication?
- Giving a client a token every time they use their AAC device
- Waiting expectantly after a client reaches for juice so they are motivated to use their communication system to request it (Correct answer)
- Correcting a client's mispronunciation during a meal
- Practicing vocabulary cards at a scheduled table-top session
Correct answer: Waiting expectantly after a client reaches for juice so they are motivated to use their communication system to request it
Natural consequence teaching embeds communication instruction into naturally occurring moments where the individual is intrinsically motivated, such as requesting desired items.
Question 7: A DDA-certified professional observes a colleague using a restrictive behavioral strategy that is not documented in the client's behavior support plan. What is the correct action?
- Allow it to continue since the colleague has more experience
- Document the observation and report it to a supervisor or behavior specialist (Correct answer)
- Ask the colleague to stop and say nothing more
- Implement the same strategy since it appears to be working
Correct answer: Document the observation and report it to a supervisor or behavior specialist
Unauthorized restrictive procedures violate the individual's rights and must be documented and reported through proper channels to ensure accountability and safety.
DDA Communication Strategies & Behavioral Support 5
A client who communicates using a low-tech picture board is transitioning to a new group home.
What communication-related step is most critical during this transition?