SLP Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes an AAC system that does NOT require external equipment, such as manual signs or gestures?
- Low-tech AAC
- Aided AAC
- Unaided AAC (Correct answer)
- Light-tech AAC
Correct answer: Unaided AAC
Unaided AAC relies solely on the user's bodyâgestures, sign language, facial expressionsâwith no external tools or devices needed.
Question 2: A person with ALS is losing intelligible speech. The SLP prioritizes AAC implementation early. This approach reflects which principle?
- Descriptive-developmental approach
- Proactive/anticipatory planning (Correct answer)
- Restorative treatment philosophy
- Watchful waiting protocol
Correct answer: Proactive/anticipatory planning
Proactive or anticipatory AAC planning involves introducing systems before speech is fully lost so the client can learn the system while still able to participate actively.
Question 3: Core vocabulary in AAC refers to:
- Subject-specific technical terms used frequently in one setting
- A small set of high-frequency words used across many contexts (Correct answer)
- Words chosen by the client's family for home use only
- Vocabulary that is always represented by photographs
Correct answer: A small set of high-frequency words used across many contexts
Core vocabulary consists of a relatively small number of words (e.g., go, want, more, help) that account for the majority of words used across contexts and speakers.
Question 4: Fringe vocabulary in AAC is BEST described as:
- Vocabulary used only by beginning communicators
- Idiosyncratic, personally relevant words that supplement core vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Words stored in the device but never activated
- Vocabulary that replaces core words when context changes
Correct answer: Idiosyncratic, personally relevant words that supplement core vocabulary
Fringe vocabulary includes specific nouns, names, and topic-related words that are unique to an individual's life and complement the high-frequency core vocabulary.
Question 5: Which of the following is a PRIMARY barrier to successful AAC adoption reported in the research literature?
- Excessive number of symbols available on the device
- Lack of trained communication partners (Correct answer)
- Device weight exceeding 2 pounds
- Use of dynamic rather than static displays
Correct answer: Lack of trained communication partners
Research consistently identifies untrained communication partners as a leading barrier to effective AAC use in real-world settings.
Question 6: In the participation model for AAC assessment (Beukelman & Mirenda), 'opportunity barriers' include:
- Motor or cognitive limitations intrinsic to the AAC user
- Policy, practice, attitude, and knowledge barriers imposed by others (Correct answer)
- Device malfunction and software errors
- Sensory impairments affecting symbol recognition
Correct answer: Policy, practice, attitude, and knowledge barriers imposed by others
Opportunity barriers are external barriersâsuch as restrictive policies, negative attitudes, or lack of facilitator knowledgeâthat prevent full participation regardless of the user's capabilities.
Question 7: A client uses a voice output device but communication partners frequently ignore the device's output and address a caregiver instead. This behavior is called:
- Communication overload
- Communicative competence gap
- Speaking for the AAC user / proxy responding (Correct answer)
- Device abandonment by proxy
Correct answer: Speaking for the AAC user / proxy responding
Proxy responding or 'speaking for' the AAC user occurs when partners bypass the user's device and direct conversation to a caregiver, undermining the user's communicative agency.
SLP Augmentative and Alternative Communication 3
Which term describes an AAC system that does NOT require external equipment, such as manual signs or gestures?