Which of the following BEST describes augmentative communication?
Communication that supports or enhances existing speech
Communication used only with individuals who are nonverbal
Communication that replaces natural speech entirely
Communication limited to electronic speech-generating device
A child with cerebral palsy demonstrates reliable eye gaze but inconsistent hand use. Which AAC access method is MOST appropriate to trial first?
Head-mounted pointer
Direct finger selection
Switch scanning
Eye-gaze technology
Which factor is MOST critical when selecting symbols for an AAC system for a preschool child?
Cost of the device
The number of symbols per page
Availability of voice output
Symbol transparency and developmental appropriateness
An AAC system that uses single messages recorded by a communication partner is best classified as:
Unaided AAC
Aided, high-tech AAC
Dynamic display AAC
Aided, low-tech AAC
A client uses a dynamic display device but has difficulty locating vocabulary quickly. Which modification would MOST likely improve efficiency?
Reduce visual cues
Increase the number of symbols per page
Use consistent symbol location across pages
Switch to unaided AAC
Which population is MOST likely to require AAC as a temporary support rather than a long-term system?
Individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Individuals with traumatic brain injury (acute phase)
Individuals with severe intellectual disability
Individuals with autism and minimal verbal output
Which AAC intervention strategy BEST promotes language development rather than simple requesting?
Restricting device use to structured therapy sessions
Modeling AAC use during natural interactions
Requiring verbal imitation before AAC use
Focusing only on nouns and labels
A child repeatedly presses the same AAC symbol regardless of context. This behavior MOST likely reflects:
Device malfunction
Learned helplessness
Limited symbol comprehension or vocabulary organization
Inappropriate reinforcement schedule
Which AAC feature MOST directly supports grammatical development?
Core vocabulary access
High-contrast background colors
Large symbol size
Recorded partner messages
Which assessment component is ESSENTIAL before determining AAC candidacy?
Assessment of communicative needs and environments
Evidence of prior therapy failure
Demonstration of symbolic understanding
Ability to operate electronic devices independently
A partner frequently anticipates a user’s needs and speaks for them. This behavior MOST negatively impacts:
Motor planning
Device maintenance
Speech intelligibility
Communicative autonomy
For an individual with progressive motor decline, AAC intervention should PRIORITIZE:
Delaying AAC until speech is no longer functional
Systems that require minimal setup
Early introduction and future planning
Exclusively low-tech options
Which AAC layout typically requires the greatest cognitive and motor planning demands?
Single-message device
Static display with few symbols
Dynamic display with layered navigation
Choice board with photographs
A child successfully requests items using AAC but does not use it for social interaction. The MOST appropriate next goal is to target:
Faster symbol selection speed
Social and pragmatic functions
Increased device volume
Caregiver device programming
Which AAC strategy BEST supports generalization across environments?
Frequently changing symbol sets
Training communication partners
Using AAC only during therapy
Limiting vocabulary to preferred items
Which statement about AAC and speech development is MOST accurate?
AAC should be removed once speech emerges
AAC often supports and may enhance speech development
AAC use inhibits natural speech development
AAC has no impact on speech development
