ETS Domain: Treatment

Praxis 5331 AAC Questions

AAC items on the Praxis 5331 assess your understanding of the AAC continuum (unaided → aided, low-tech → high-tech), candidacy, symbol hierarchies, and evidence-based access methods. Expect 5-8 items.

Why this topic matters

No 'candidacy' criteria — every client is a potential AAC candidate; this is heavily tested.
AAC crosses ages and populations (CAS, ALS, autism, aphasia).

High-yield concepts

Unaided AAC: signs, gestures, facial expression — nothing external needed.
Aided low-tech: PECS, communication boards.
Aided high-tech: SGDs (speech-generating devices), tablet apps.
Symbol hierarchy (concrete → abstract): objects → photos → line drawings → text.
Access methods: direct selection, scanning (partner-assisted, auto, step), eye gaze.
AAC never delays speech development — evidence supports concurrent gains.
Core vocabulary: high-frequency words that make up 80% of communication.

Sample practice questions

Try answering before revealing the rationale — mark misses to retry later.

Q1.A parent worries that giving their nonverbal 4-year-old an SGD will prevent verbal speech development. The BEST evidence-based response is:

A.Wait 6 more months before starting AAC
B.AAC use does not inhibit speech and often supports it
C.Only use PECS to preserve verbal ability
D.Refer to a psychologist

Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. Evidence consistently shows AAC does not inhibit verbal speech; multi-modal approaches often enhance verbal development. Delaying AAC harms communication access.

Q2.An adult with late-stage ALS has intact cognition but only voluntary eye movement. The MOST appropriate AAC access method is:

A.Direct selection with a stylus
B.Automatic scanning
C.Eye-gaze access
D.Sign language

Show answer & rationale

Correct: C. For a client with only voluntary eye movement, eye-gaze access to an SGD provides the most efficient communication. Direct selection and sign are physically inaccessible.

Q3.Which set best represents 'core vocabulary'?

A.'pizza,' 'bathroom,' 'teacher's name'
B.'more,' 'stop,' 'want,' 'go,' 'help'
C.Only nouns
D.Multi-step scripts

Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. Core vocabulary consists of high-frequency, reusable words that comprise ~80% of everyday communication (verbs, pronouns, prepositions). Nouns are fringe vocabulary.

Common wrong-answer traps

Recommending 'wait for speech' before AAC — never evidence-based.
Choosing fringe (only nouns) over core vocabulary as a starting point.
Ignoring literacy access — text-based AAC requires literacy support.

Study moves this week

Memorize the AAC continuum with 2 examples per level.
Learn 5 access methods and one client profile that matches each.
Read ASHA's AAC practice portal (30 minutes).

Want 400+ scenario questions with rationales?

Praxis Path unlocks a full question bank + 132-question timed mock exam and spaced-repetition flashcards.

See what's included Try free practice test

FAQ

Are there prerequisites for AAC candidacy?

No — the 'candidacy model' is outdated. Every client who cannot meet communication needs with speech is a candidate.

Does AAC slow verbal development?

No — evidence shows the opposite; verbal speech is often supported by AAC use.

What is core vocabulary?

The ~200-400 high-frequency words (verbs, pronouns, prepositions) that account for ~80% of daily communication.

Praxis 5331 AAC Questions

Why this topic matters

High-yield concepts

Sample practice questions

Common wrong-answer traps

Study moves this week

Want 400+ scenario questions with rationales?

FAQ

Related topic question sets