Lecture 3 AAC Systems Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a critical period in language development?

A phase when all forms of communication are equally effective.

A time when infants can only learn to speak one language.

A time when the brain is most receptive to absorbing language. (correct)

A period during which children learn to recognize complex sentences.

By what age do infants typically complete their phoneme perceptual map?

By 6 months.

By 2 years.

By 18 months.

By 1 year. (correct)

What distinguishes a language disorder from a speech disorder?

Speech disorders involve difficulty understanding spoken language.

Speech disorders occur only in children who are non-verbal.

Language disorders involve difficulties with comprehension and expression. (correct)

Language disorders only affect the ability to produce speech sounds.

What is a common indicator of early language problems?

Receptive language difficulties. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a phonological awareness skill?

Recognizing the sound-letter relationship. Signup and view all the answers

What is Specific Language Impairment (SLI)?

A language disorder delaying the mastery of language skills. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is associated with deficits in phonology?

Communication and learning disorders. Signup and view all the answers

At what age can a child typically start to express simple needs and emotions verbally?

1 year. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental principle behind semantic compaction in Minspeak?

Combining various icons to create multiple meanings. Signup and view all the answers

Which selection technique is characterized by a one-to-one relationship between a motor act and message generation?

Direct selection Signup and view all the answers

Which type of symbol display organizes vocabulary based on parts of speech and syntactic frameworks?

Semantic–syntactic displays Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of static/fixed symbol displays?

Includes a finite number of symbols/messages. Signup and view all the answers

At what age do children typically begin to benefit from taxonomic displays?

6–7 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of the indirect selection technique?

It has a greater demand on working memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of display is designed for specific contexts, enhancing generalization of vocabulary?

Context-based displays Signup and view all the answers

How do hybrid displays combine features from other types?

They include both fixed symbols and dynamic elements. Signup and view all the answers

What capability does a dynamic symbol display have that static displays lack?

Automatic change in symbol sets upon user interaction. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the advantage of direct selection techniques?

Enhance efficiency with streamlined input. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics are commonly associated with language disorder in children?

Delayed speech development and limited vocabulary Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a diagnostic criterion for language disorder?

Deficits in physical development Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the brain is primarily involved in hearing and speaking?

Temporal Lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome for children who experience childhood-onset fluency disorder?

Most stop stuttering after starting school Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates social communication disorder from other language disorders?

Focus on the social use of language Signup and view all the answers

How is language disorder prevalence characterized in gender?

Twice as common in boys than girls Signup and view all the answers

What is a key strategy suggested for parents to help stimulate language development in children with language disorder?

Enroll them in specialized preschools Signup and view all the answers

What neurological aspect is associated with language disorders?

Reduced activity in the left temporal region Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about speech sound disorder is accurate?

It is characterized by difficulties in articulation Signup and view all the answers

Which cognitive ability is often impaired in children with language disorder?

Comprehension of complex sentences Signup and view all the answers

What is the genetic contribution to childhood-onset fluency disorder?

70% of variance attributed to genetics Signup and view all the answers

Social communication disorder includes difficulties in which area?

Use of communication for social purposes Signup and view all the answers

What does not typically characterize children with language disorder?

Exceptional vocabulary compared to peers Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children were estimated to require a communication aid or device?

7.6% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary component of an AAC system?

Vocabulary Signup and view all the answers

What best describes aided forms of AAC?

They need some external support. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of iconicity in AAC systems?

It represents the association between a symbol and its referent. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT assessed during the selection of an AAC system?

Availability of funding Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of synthesized speech?

Allows novel message generation via text to speech. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following AAC methodologies uses traditional spelling?

Alphabet-based methods Signup and view all the answers

What alternative describes non-electronic aided forms of AAC?

Low-tech Signup and view all the answers

What adjustment might be needed for an assessment if the individual has a vision deficit?

Modifications to special lighting. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a tertiary component in AAC assessment?

Training and support Signup and view all the answers

Which type of symbol is easiest to guess without the referent present?

Transparent symbols Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does assessment consider when determining AAC methods?

Cultural variables affecting communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

To supplement or replace speech for those with communication difficulties Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a congenital disability that may benefit from AAC?

Traumatic brain injury Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about individuals with acquired disabilities is true?

Their AAC needs may change over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of AAC is most commonly used by children in special education settings?

Gestures Signup and view all the answers

What role does an AAC assessment play in communication strategies?

It identifies the user's communication potential and remains ongoing. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of signals does a proficient AAC user need to interpret during interactions?

Both verbal and nonverbal signals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options represents a pragmatic difficulty in communication?

Telling and understanding stories Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about AAC users?

They are unable to use any form of speech. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of introducing visually represented language prior to an AAC assessment?

To ensure more accurate assessment results Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of preschoolers enrolled in special education services in Pennsylvania were reported to require AAC?

12% Signup and view all the answers

What type of language understanding involves making inferences from context?

Implied language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a functional use of AAC?

Enhancing social interactions Signup and view all the answers

Using appropriate verbal and nonverbal signals is important for which aspect of communication?

Regulating interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact of effective AAC usage for individuals with communication disorders?

Improved feelings of self-worth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following populations is most likely to benefit from AAC as a tool for language acquisition?

Individuals with congenital disabilities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

AAC Systems: Overview

LRM: A single or combination of Low-tech or high-tech systems depending on user needs and system functionalities.
Alphabet-based: Uses traditional spelling and rate enhancement techniques such as word or phrase prediction.
Single-meaning messages: Uses pictures, drawings, or symbols representing one word or message, for instance, picture of a toilet indicates a bathroom need.
Semantic compaction: Uses multiple-meaning icons (Minspeak*) in prescribed sequences to form words and phrases.
Example: Frog symbol can represent "frog," "green," "jump," and "water."

Symbol Display Types

Static/Fixed: Symbols stay in a fixed position. Usually used in communication boards or low-tech systems.
Dynamic: Electronic, selecting one symbol automatically changes the symbol set. Often arranged by categories, then breaks down to more specific items.
Hybrid: Combines static/fixed with dynamic components (e.g., alphabet board with word prediction).

Symbol Display Organization

Semantic–syntactic: Organizes vocabulary based on speech parts and syntax. Symbols are laid out according to spoken-word order and language orientation. Useful for adults with intact language or language learners.
Taxonomic Displays: Groups symbols by semantic categories (e.g., people, places, feelings, actions). Suitable for children aged 6–7 years.
Activity grid displays: Organizes vocabulary by routines or activities. Each page displays activity-specific vocabulary, possibly organized by speech parts.
Context-based displays: Similar to activity grid displays but designed for a frequent context or environment.

Selection Techniques: Direct & Indirect

Direct Selection: More efficient, less working memory load for the user and listener. Requires precise motor movements and one-to-one relation between the motor act and message generation. Requires good visual or auditory acuity.
Indirect Selection: Less efficient, greater working memory load, requires less fine-motor control. Allows for more efficient communication for users with visual or auditory deficits.

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Description

Explore the different types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, including low-tech and high-tech options. This quiz covers symbol display types, including static, dynamic, and hybrid systems, as well as various messaging techniques like semantic compaction and alphabet-based strategies.