AAC Basics
What does AAC stand for?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Give an example of a no-tech or low-tech AAC system.
PECS/communication boards/gestures/signs
What is aided language stimulation
-Modeling
-Symbol immersion
There are no cognitive or language prerequisites for AAC.
True
What is a gestalt?
A chunk or script of language learned as a whole.
Who can benefit from AAC?
- student who are non speaking
-students with limited language skills
-student with unintelligible speech
Give an example of a high tech AAC system.
Proloquo2go, LAMP
How often should be model the student's AAC?
High tech AAC should only be introduced after age 5, when there is no reasonable prognosis for speech.
False
What is "gestalt language processing?"
Learning language in chunks
Name three categories of AAC devices
n0/low/medium/high tech
What physical factors need to be considered when selecting an AAC system?
-vision
-fine motor/gross motor
True or False: You should model language at the student's current language level.
False - slightly above the student's language level.
High tech AAC is better than low tech AAC.
False.
What is the opposite of gestalt language processing?
Analytic language processing.
How does AAC support language development
- building vocabulary
-learning grammar and sentence structure
-visual supports
What other factors need to be considered?
-family support/caregivers
-financial considerations
-cogntivie/visual attention/symbol awarness/etc.
If a child points to "go" on their device, what could you model back?
-let's go!
-go fast!
-go gym
AAC supports the development of oral language.
What types of phrases is a a child most likely to imitate?
tied to emotion/sing-songy/intonation
What is the ultimate goal of AAC
- to allow the child to express themselves and be understood to their full potential. The goal is NOT the system.
How many symbol should be available on the student's system?
More than they are able to currently use - scaffolding
How many times will you have to model a word before the child starts using this themselves?
-varies; like oral language; need to hear many times before they learn it; some need more models than others; etc.
If a child is repeatedly asking for an unavailable item or location, you should remove the symbol to reduce problem behaviour.
False
Name two ways we can support a gestalt language processor.
-honor their scripts
-do the detective work
-model easily 'mitigatable' phrases, avoiding names and pronouns