SLP Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is based on principles from which theoretical framework?
- Social-pragmatic developmental theory
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (Correct answer)
- Dynamic Systems Theory
- Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development
Correct answer: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
PECS was developed by Frost and Bondy and is based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), using operant conditioning principles to teach individuals to exchange picture cards to communicate.
Question 2: The 'no exclusions' principle in AAC states that:
- AAC should not be used alongside natural speech
- No individual should be excluded from AAC based on age, cognitive level, or severity of disability (Correct answer)
- AAC devices should not include voice output for privacy reasons
- Unaided AAC should not be excluded from treatment plans
Correct answer: No individual should be excluded from AAC based on age, cognitive level, or severity of disability
The no exclusions principle holds that AAC services should be available to all individuals with complex communication needs regardless of age, cognitive ability, or disability severity — no prerequisites should bar access.
Question 3: 'Aided language stimulation' (ALS) is an AAC strategy that involves:
- The client independently practicing AAC without partner input
- The clinician teaching AAC symbols through flashcard drill
- The communication partner modeling AAC use by pointing to symbols during natural interactions (Correct answer)
- Programming new vocabulary into the AAC device
Correct answer: The communication partner modeling AAC use by pointing to symbols during natural interactions
Aided language stimulation (also called modeling or AAC modeling) involves communication partners pointing to symbols on the AAC system while also speaking, to expose users to AAC language in natural, meaningful contexts.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'fringe vocabulary' in an AAC system?
- High-frequency words used by most people in most contexts
- Specific, individualized words unique to a person's interests, activities, and experiences (Correct answer)
- Vocabulary placed around the edges of a communication display
- Words that cannot be represented by graphic symbols
Correct answer: Specific, individualized words unique to a person's interests, activities, and experiences
Fringe vocabulary refers to less frequent, highly individualized words related to a person's specific topics, people, places, and interests — it complements core vocabulary to enable personalized communication.
Question 5: In partner-assisted scanning, who controls the pace at which items are presented to the AAC user?
- The AAC device's internal timer
- The AAC user through a switch
- The communication partner (Correct answer)
- The supervising SLP
Correct answer: The communication partner
In partner-assisted scanning, the communication partner sequentially points to or names items while the AAC user signals (e.g., eye blink, vocalization) to indicate their selection, giving the partner control of pacing.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of 'unaided AAC'?
- A laminated communication board
- A speech-generating device
- American Sign Language (ASL) (Correct answer)
- PECS picture cards
Correct answer: American Sign Language (ASL)
Unaided AAC uses only the person's body — including gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and manual sign languages like ASL — without any external device or tool.
Question 7: The SETT framework, used in AAC and assistive technology decision-making, stands for:
- Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools (Correct answer)
- Speech, Education, Technology, Training
- Symbols, Expression, Transmission, Training
- Selection, Evaluation, Targeting, Therapy
Correct answer: Student, Environment, Tasks, Tools
The SETT framework (Zabala, 1995) guides AAC and AT decision-making by considering the Student's needs and abilities, the Environments of use, the Tasks the student needs to perform, and the Tools that can support performance.
SLP Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) 2
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is based on principles from which theoretical framework?