Question 1

What are the differences between an AAC system and an AAC device?

Accepted Answer

An AAC system and an AAC device are related concepts within the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), which is designed to support individuals who have complex communication needs, often due to disabilities that impair their ability to use natural speech. Here are the differences between the two:

AAC System:
- An AAC system refers to the overall approach or plan that encompasses various methods and tools to support an individual's communication needs. It is a comprehensive framework that includes not only devices but also strategies, techniques, and services.
- An AAC system is tailored to the unique needs of the individual and can include both high-tech and low-tech solutions.
- Components of an AAC system may include unaided communication methods (like gestures, facial expressions, or sign language) and aided communication methods (which involve some form of external support or equipment).
- An AAC system is dynamic and may evolve over time as the individual's communication needs and abilities change.
- It involves a team approach, often including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, educators, family members, and the AAC user themselves, to determine the most effective communication strategies.

AAC Device:
- An AAC device specifically refers to the electronic or mechanical equipment that an individual uses to send or receive messages. This is a subset of the broader AAC system.
- AAC devices can be high-tech, such as speech-generating devices (SGDs) that produce digital speech when a user selects symbols, text, or images. They can also be low-tech, like communication boards or books with symbols that the user points to in order to communicate.
- An AAC device is a tangible piece of equipment and can be dedicated (designed solely for communication) or non-dedicated (such as a tablet with communication software).
- The choice of an AAC device is one component of the AAC system and should be selected based on the individual's specific communication needs, preferences, and abilities.
- AAC devices often require programming and customization, which is part of the broader AAC system's services.

In summary, an AAC system is the overarching communication plan that includes all forms of communication supports tailored to an individual, while an AAC device is a specific tool or piece of equipment used within that system to facilitate communication.

Question 2

Which skill is widely accepted as a required prerequisite to the successful use of AAC?

Accepted Answer

A)   Piaget Stage V
B)   Brown's Stage 2
C)   reliable pointing response
D)   none has been identified D

Question 3

Which AAC system is intended to teach children with autism to use visual graphic symbols to make requests by exchanging the appropriate symbol for a preferred item?

Accepted Answer

A)   PECS
B)   SALS
C)   FC
D)   SGD A

Question 4

What does SGD stand for? Give an example of a SGD.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does SGD stand for? Give an...

Question 5

Discuss the evidence that AAC does or does not inhibit language development.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the evidence that AAC does or...

Question 6

What factors should be considered in the selection of an AAC system?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What factors should be considered in the...

Question 7

Which is the most transparent symbol system?

Accepted Answer

A)   written words
B)   line drawings
C)   real objects
D)   Bliss symbols

Question 8

What are the factors that put AAC users at risk for abuse?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the factors that put AAC...

Question 9

What are three limitations of AAC use in assisting children with physical disability?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are three limitations of AAC use...

Question 10

Children with autism often benefit from AAC which relies on visual symbols.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 11

Introduction of AAC in early childhood with children with intellectual impairment reduces the likelihood of disruptive behaviors.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

The use of gestures is considered an:

Accepted Answer

A)   unaided, low-tech system
B)   aided, low-tech system
C)   unaided, high-tech system
D)   aided, high-tech system

Question 13

What is one aim of Functional Communication Training (FCT)?

Accepted Answer

A)   increasing vocabulary
B)   providing SGD
C)   managing challenging behaviors
D)   literacy development

Question 14

One of the most common reasons for AAC system failure is a system which is too difficult for the child to comprehend.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 15

Children with limited comprehension must learn the relationship between a visual symbol and its referent before they can use AAC expressively.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

Low technology AAC systems are less effective than high tech systems.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

What is multimodal communication? Why is it important to consider?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is multimodal communication? Why is it...

Question 18

Some children will remain nonsymbolic for their entire lives.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 19

Identify at least three members of an interdisciplinary team involved in implementation of an AAC system.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify at least three members of an...

Question 20

AAC inhibits language development.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Exam 12: Language and Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What are the differences between an AAC system and an AAC device?

Which skill is widely accepted as a required prerequisite to the successful use of AAC?

Which AAC system is intended to teach children with autism to use visual graphic symbols to make requests by exchanging the appropriate symbol for a preferred item?

What does SGD stand for? Give an example of a SGD.

Discuss the evidence that AAC does or does not inhibit language development.

What factors should be considered in the selection of an AAC system?

Which is the most transparent symbol system?

What are the factors that put AAC users at risk for abuse?

What are three limitations of AAC use in assisting children with physical disability?

Children with autism often benefit from AAC which relies on visual symbols.

Introduction of AAC in early childhood with children with intellectual impairment reduces the likelihood of disruptive behaviors.

The use of gestures is considered an:

What is one aim of Functional Communication Training (FCT) ?

One of the most common reasons for AAC system failure is a system which is too difficult for the child to comprehend.

Children with limited comprehension must learn the relationship between a visual symbol and its referent before they can use AAC expressively.

Low technology AAC systems are less effective than high tech systems.

What is multimodal communication? Why is it important to consider?

Some children will remain nonsymbolic for their entire lives.

Identify at least three members of an interdisciplinary team involved in implementation of an AAC system.

AAC inhibits language development.