AAC AAC Research, Evidence-Based Practice & Professional Development 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which level of evidence is considered the strongest when evaluating AAC intervention research?
- Expert opinion and clinical anecdote
- Single-subject experimental designs only
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (Correct answer)
- Case studies published in textbooks
Correct answer: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs sit at the top of the evidence hierarchy and provide the most robust basis for clinical decision-making.
Question 2: What credential is awarded by ASHA to recognize SLPs with advanced expertise in AAC?
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) (Correct answer)
- Registered Communication Assistant (RCA)
- ASHA Specialty Certification in AAC
Correct answer: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
The CCC-SLP is the standard ASHA credential for practicing SLPs; ASHA does not currently offer a separate specialty certification specific to AAC.
Question 3: In evidence-based practice (EBP) for AAC, which three components must be integrated?
- Funding sources, device features, and caregiver preferences
- Best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and client/family values (Correct answer)
- Diagnosis codes, therapy goals, and billing rates
- Device trial results, insurance approval, and school placement
Correct answer: Best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and client/family values
EBP requires integrating the best research evidence with the clinician's expertise and the unique values and preferences of the client and family.
Question 4: Which research design is most commonly used in AAC studies due to the small population sizes involved?
- Large-scale randomized controlled trials
- Single-subject experimental designs (SSED) (Correct answer)
- Purely qualitative case studies
- Cross-sectional population surveys
Correct answer: Single-subject experimental designs (SSED)
SSEDs are dominant in AAC research because they rigorously measure individual change over time and are feasible with the small, heterogeneous populations who use AAC.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12 (SIG 12)?
- To regulate AAC device pricing
- To provide a professional community and continuing education for AAC practitioners (Correct answer)
- To certify AAC devices for Medicare coverage
- To publish the DSM criteria for AAC candidacy
Correct answer: To provide a professional community and continuing education for AAC practitioners
ASHA SIG 12 (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) connects clinicians, researchers, and educators interested in AAC and offers continuing education resources.
Question 6: Which organization publishes the peer-reviewed journal 'Augmentative and Alternative Communication'?
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC) (Correct answer)
- National Rehabilitation Association
- American Occupational Therapy Association
Correct answer: International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC)
ISAAC publishes the AAC journal, which is the leading peer-reviewed outlet for research and clinical advances in the field of augmentative and alternative communication.
AAC AAC Research, Evidence-Based Practice & Professional Development 1
Which level of evidence is considered the strongest when evaluating AAC intervention research?