Augmentative and Alternative Communication Quiz

Answer: True

Every person can communicate, as all behaviours are communication. However, not everybody is at the same level. There are three levels of communication in the communication continuum; they are pre-intentional, intentional and intentional-symbolic. This relates to expressive and receptive commmunication.

Pre-intentional communication may involve a person looking at a desired object/activity, but not at another person to indicate they want something. They may also cry, scream, laugh or smile with no apparent meaning. In this stage the communication partner assigns the intent and meaning to the message and then responds.

Intentional communication may involve a person looking at something (object/activity) and then looking at another person to indicate that they want this particular thing. This may involve looking at someone, pointing, or taking a person's hand and leading them to the object. In this stage the communication partner reads or interprets the intent and meaning to the message and responds.

Intentional-Symbolic communication involves the use of symbols to communicate a message. The possible symbols used may be object symbols, photos/pictures, pictographs, or written messages (more explanation in interesting info for Question 3). In this stage the communication partner decodes the message and responds. This is the stage that you would be in if playing this quiz.

Augmentative communication is when a person uses either additional (augmentative) or alternative strategies to convey a message or understand a message which is normally delivered either verbally or in writing.

Answer: False

A person in the symbolic-intentional communication stage of the communication continuum may be able to relate to object symbols, but the written word may mean nothing to them. Expecting a person to use a communication system which they don't understand is pointless as it will mean that the person is unable to communicate effectively with that method.

This may lead to a person having problem behaviour or not bothering to communicate anymore. There is an explanation of the symbols which may be used in this stage in the interesting info for Question 3.

Answer: object symbols (i.e mini objects),photos, pictographs, sign language, written word

In order of difficulty for interpretation by a person are:
1. Object symbols - these may be mini objects, parts of objects or objects related to an activity. An example of this is using a pair of goggles to represent swimming.
2. Photos- of the object, I believe lifelike drawings would come under this category as well.
3. Pictographs- such as line drawings or drawings which resemble an object but not as well as a photo or life drawing does. This category includes logos. Pictographs may also be used in conjunction with reading to help a person who has difficulty reading words on their own.
4. Sign language- this can be formal sign language or simplified sign language, even something as simple as a pointing finger
5. Written word- this is also an augmentative or alternative communication strategy as it can be used to add to or replace speech. I used it after an operation at which point I had a tube down my throat and could not talk and was writing stuff, my grandma also did this after losing the ability to speak through illness.

This is because people tend to recognise and relate to concrete symbols before more abstract ones.

The sign language is also before written word for 2 reasons. 1 - it includes signs that an individual makes up and their communication partners assign a meaning to. 2 - for those who cannot speak and use sign instead (even if this is simple gestures) sign language is essentially akin to spoken language.

So while it may be hard for people to learn later in life it remains easier than the written word.

Answer: A speech pathologist/therapist

After meeting with the individual, the carer or guardian and a speech pathologist/therapist will assess the disabled person's communicative abilities, and taking into consideration the person's other disabilities (if any) they will assess a person as to the most suitable and effective communication strategy for the person's use. This may include recommending them for a communication device such as a voice output device, a communication board (such as one with letters or pictographs - line drawings) on it.

A speech pathologist/therapist also assesses a person as to the consistencies that a person can eat. The consistencies may include puree, mince/mash or soft. This may also include modifying drinks, which are usually thickened. The thicknesses are mildly thick, moderately thick and extremely thick.

Answer: Alternative replaces, augmentative adds to

Augmentative communication adds to the spoken communication a person already has, this may only be in the form of being able to verbalise but unable to form meaningful words.
Alternative communication replaces spoken communication for those who are unable to use their voices or the written word.

Answer: False

Not all people with disabilities are non-verbal or require assistance to understand conventional communication such as talking or writing.

Answer: Alternative

Stephen Hawking was a famous scientist who wrote a number of books about space. He used a voice output computer device which in his case was considered alternative communication as he was unable to communicate conventionally (through the use of his voice).

Answer: True

While the most widely known type of sign language is the sign language used by the various deaf communities throughout the world (which is usually used as an alternative communication sign), a sign may also be used to accompany a person's spoken communication.

Answer: True

Although Braille does not replace speech for most users it does replace the use of conventional writing and is therefore an alternative. There is Braille writing for most languages in the world including character languages (such as Chinese), there is also Braille music and scientific terms in Braille.

Answer: Where another person assists a person to communicate

Facilitated communication is where another person assists a person to communicate. This can involve shaping a person's hand so they can point, holding their arm or be as basic as another person holding the communication board.