Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What is the most important factor to consider in AAC intervention for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

1. The patient will require multiple AAC systems

2. The patient will have frequent need for feature matching

3. The patient will benefit more from articulatory based intervention

4. The patient will require a nonlinguistic AAC system

The correct answer is: The patient will have frequent need for feature matching

In the context of AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) intervention for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), considering the frequent need for feature matching is essential. Feature matching involves assessing an individual’s specific communication needs and preferences, current abilities, and limitations, and matching them with appropriate AAC tools and strategies. This process is particularly crucial for individuals with ALS, as the disease progresses and their communication abilities can change over time. As ALS is characterized by a gradual loss of motor function and speech production, the communication needs of the patient will evolve. Regular feature matching ensures that the chosen AAC system remains effective and suitable as the patient’s abilities decline. It allows for ongoing adjustments to the AAC system to accommodate changing physical capabilities and to ensure effective communication. In contrast, other considerations, such as using multiple AAC systems or implementing nonlinguistic systems, may not be as beneficial as a flexible approach that adapits to the patient's changing needs. Similarly, while articulatory-based interventions may have their place, they might not effectively support a patient in the advanced stages of ALS, where motor control may be significantly impaired. Therefore, continual feature matching stands out as the most critical factor in providing successful AAC intervention for these patients.