AAC Symbol Systems & Visual Supports 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the key difference between a 'first-then' board and a full visual schedule?
- A first-then board is used only for adults; visual schedules are for children
- A first-then board presents only two steps and is used to manage transitions or motivate task completion (Correct answer)
- A first-then board requires reading skills while visual schedules use pictures
- A first-then board is an electronic system while visual schedules are paper-based
Correct answer: A first-then board presents only two steps and is used to manage transitions or motivate task completion
A first-then board simplifies scheduling to two items (current task then preferred activity), making it ideal for transitions, task initiation, or individuals who cannot yet process longer sequences.
Question 2: A practitioner notices a client consistently selects a symbol but does not achieve the intended communicative effect. This MOST likely indicates a problem with:
- Symbol iconicity
- Symbol-referent correspondence or partner interpretation (Correct answer)
- Device battery life
- Vocabulary size on the device
Correct answer: Symbol-referent correspondence or partner interpretation
When symbol selection does not achieve the desired communicative effect, the symbol-referent pairing may be unclear or partners may not correctly interpret the intended message.
Question 3: Which evidence-based strategy involves arranging the environment so that a person MUST use their AAC symbol system to communicate a need?
- Mand training
- Milieu teaching / communication temptation (Correct answer)
- Discrete trial training
- Social narratives
Correct answer: Milieu teaching / communication temptation
Milieu teaching uses communication temptations—arranging the environment to create communicative need (e.g., placing a desired item out of reach) to prompt AAC use in natural contexts.
Question 4: SymbolStix symbols are BEST characterized as:
- Detailed photographic images of real objects
- Stylized stick figures in action poses that emphasize dynamic movement (Correct answer)
- Abstract geometric shapes representing concepts
- Line drawings with extensive color coding by grammatical category
Correct answer: Stylized stick figures in action poses that emphasize dynamic movement
SymbolStix uses stylized, elongated stick figures shown in active poses, designed to convey dynamic actions and social interactions clearly.
Question 5: A social story combined with visual symbols is MOST commonly used to:
- Assess a client's symbol recognition skills
- Pre-teach expected behaviors and social situations to reduce anxiety and increase understanding (Correct answer)
- Replace all verbal instruction in the classroom
- Serve as a communication device during activities
Correct answer: Pre-teach expected behaviors and social situations to reduce anxiety and increase understanding
Social stories with visual supports describe social situations and expected behaviors in advance, reducing anxiety and building understanding, particularly for individuals with ASD.
Question 6: When selecting between color and black-and-white symbols for an AAC user, which factor is MOST critical?
- Color symbols are always superior for all users
- The individual's visual discrimination ability and the evidence that color may aid recognition for some learners (Correct answer)
- Black-and-white symbols are mandated by AAC best practice guidelines
- Cost is the primary determinant of symbol format
Correct answer: The individual's visual discrimination ability and the evidence that color may aid recognition for some learners
Symbol format selection should be individualized, considering the user's visual discrimination skills and research showing color can support recognition for some learners while others perform equally well with black-and-white.
Question 7: In partner-assisted scanning with symbol arrays, what is the PRIMARY role of the communication partner?
- The partner selects symbols on behalf of the user
- The partner points to or names items in sequence and the AAC user signals when their choice is highlighted (Correct answer)
- The partner creates new symbols during the conversation
- The partner reads aloud all symbols simultaneously
Correct answer: The partner points to or names items in sequence and the AAC user signals when their choice is highlighted
In partner-assisted scanning, the partner systematically scans through options while the AAC user uses a predetermined signal (eye gaze, vocalization, or movement) to indicate their selection.
AAC Symbol Systems & Visual Supports 3
What is the key difference between a 'first-then' board and a full visual schedule?