Language Development & User Support Strategies Flashcards

Which language development theory emphasizes that children acquire language through imitation and reinforcement from their environment?

Answer: Behaviorist theory

Behaviorist theory, associated with Skinner, posits that language is learned through imitation, practice, and reinforcement from the environment.

When an AAC user's communication partner consistently responds to any communicative attempt—regardless of form—this practice is called:

Answer: Responsive interaction

Responsive interaction means consistently acknowledging and responding to any communicative attempt the AAC user makes, reinforcing communication as functional.

A child with complex communication needs is in the early stages of intentional communication. Which AAC strategy best supports this emergent communicator?

Answer: Using objects and photographs as low-tech symbols

Concrete symbols like objects and photographs are developmentally appropriate for emergent communicators who are beginning to use intentional communication.

The 'zone of proximal development' concept applied to AAC intervention means the SLP should:

Answer: Provide support slightly above the user's current independent level

Vygotsky's ZPD suggests targeting skills just beyond current independent ability with appropriate scaffolding to promote growth.

Which of the following best describes 'semantic compaction' in AAC?

Answer: Using sequences of icons to represent an unlimited number of messages

Semantic compaction (used in Minspeak-based systems) uses multi-meaning icons in sequences to encode a vast vocabulary with few keys.

An AAC team notices a user rarely initiates conversation but responds well when prompted. The MOST appropriate intervention goal would be to:

Answer: Teach initiation strategies using communicative temptations

Communicative temptations and initiation-focused strategies directly address the functional gap of poor spontaneous communication initiation.

Which milestone indicates a child has achieved 'joint attention,' a prerequisite skill important for AAC intervention readiness?

Answer: Following another person's gaze or pointing gesture to share interest in an object

Joint attention involves sharing focus on an object or event with another person and is a foundational social-communicative skill for language development.