SimuCase Jordan Z. Pediatric AAC Assessment
Transcript & Full SLP Case Study | 2026 Update |
100% Correct.
Section 1: Case History & Background Information
1. What is Jordan Z.'s primary diagnosis, and how does it impact his communication needs?
Correct Answer: Jordan has spastic paraplegia, which results in significant motor impairment
affecting his ability to produce intelligible speech. His communication impairment is directly
related to his motor limitations rather than a primary language or cognitive disorder.
Rationale: Spastic paraplegia affects voluntary motor control, including the muscles required for
speech production. Jordan's communication difficulties stem from motor execution deficits,
making him an excellent candidate for augmentative and alternative communication AAAC.. hhe
SLP must differentiate between motor-based speech impairment and potential underlying
language or cognitive deficits during the evaluation. AAC assessment should prioritize systems
that accommodate Jordan's motor capabilities and are accessible given his physical limitations.
hhe evaluation is conducted independent of any specific device manufacturer to ensure
objective recommendations.
,2. What are the key components that must be included in a comprehensive AAC assessment for
Jordan?
Correct Answer: A comprehensive AAC assessment must include: A1. case history and caregiver
interview, A2. evaluation of Jordan's current communication methods and effectiveness, A3.
assessment of his motor abilities and access methods, A4. evaluation of his language and
cognitive skills, A5. trialing of various AAC systems and features, and A6. consideration of
environmental factors and communication partners.
Rationale: hhe ASHA Standards for clinical competence require SLPs to "collect case history,
integrating information provided by client, caregivers, and/or other professionals" and to
"conduct a comprehensive assessment by selecting and administering a variety of appropriate
evaluation procedures". AAC assessment must be holistic, considering the individual's strengths,
challenges, and environmental demands. It is not sufficient to simply trial a single device; the
SLP must evaluate multiple access methods, vocabulary organization strategies, and system
features to determine the best match for Jordan's unique needs. Interpretation and synthesis of
all assessment data is required to develop appropriate recommendations for intervention.
3. Why is it important to involve Jordan's caregivers and other professionals in the AAC
evaluation process?
Correct Answer: Involving caregivers, teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and
other team members ensures that the AAC system selected will be functional across all of
Jordan's daily environments and that all team members understand how to support his
communication.
Rationale: AAC systems must work across multiple settings Ahome, school, community.. Jordan's
communication partners need training to support his use of the system. hhe "integrate,
interpret, and synthesize" aspect of assessment requires input from all professionals who work
with Jordan to build a complete picture of his communication needs. Additionally, cultural and
linguistic considerations must be respected; understanding the family's communication values
and preferences is essential for meaningful AAC implementation.
,Section 2: AAC Feature Matching & Access Considerations
4. Jordan's motor impairment from spastic paraplegia primarily affects which aspect of AAC
system selection?
Correct Answer: His motor impairment directly impacts the selection of an access method—
how Jordan will physically operate the AAC system Ae.g., direct selection via finger, head
tracking, eye gaze, switch scanning..
Rationale: Spastic paraplegia affects voluntary motor control. hhe SLP must carefully evaluate
Jordan's motor capabilities to determine which access method will be most efficient and least
fatiguing. Motor assessment should include evaluation of range of motion, accuracy,
consistency, and endurance. hhe chosen access method must be sustainable throughout the day
and across contexts. What works in a clinic setting may not work in a classroom or home
environment. hrial periods with different access methods are essential before finalizing
recommendations.
5. During AAC feature matching, what is the difference between "core vocabulary" and "fringe
vocabulary," and why are both important for Jordan?
Correct Answer: Core vocabulary consists of high-frequency, versatile words Ae.g., "want,"
"more," "go," "help". that can be used across all settings and activities. Fringe vocabulary
consists of specific, topic-related words Ae.g., "dinosaur," "pizza," "science". that are used less
frequently but are important for specific contexts and personal interests. Both are essential for
functional communication.
Rationale: A robust AAC system must include both core and fringe vocabulary. Core words
provide the foundation for generative communication, allowing Jordan to combine words to
express novel ideas. Fringe vocabulary enables him to participate in specific activities, talk about
his interests, and communicate in academic settings. hhe AAC evaluation should consider how
vocabulary will be organized Ae.g., semantic, alphabetical, categorical. and how Jordan will
navigate between core and fringe words efficiently. Vocabulary selection should be personalized
based on Jordan's age A9 years., interests, and communication environments.
, 6. What ethical considerations must the SLP address when recommending a high-tech AAC
system for Jordan?
Correct Answer: hhe SLP must ensure that the recommendation is based on Jordan's individual
needs and capabilities, not on the SLP's familiarity with a particular device. Additionally, the SLP
must consider the family's resources, insurance coverage, and funding options to ensure the
recommended system is realistically obtainable and sustainable.
Rationale: Ethical SLP practice requires that assessments and recommendations are client-
centered and evidence-based. hhe SLP must avoid bias toward specific manufacturers and must
consider multiple system options. Informed consent requires that the family understands the
benefits, limitations, and costs associated with different AAC options. If funding is limited, the
SLP should explore alternative solutions, including low-tech options, loaner programs, or
funding assistance.
Section 3: Assessment hools & Data Interpretation
7. Jordan's communication impairment is primarily motor-based. What is the most appropriate
approach to evaluating his language skills?
Correct Answer: hhe SLP should use a combination of A1. informal language sampling using
materials appropriate for his age and interests, A2. observation of his communication attempts
in natural contexts, A3. standardized language assessments that do not require a motoric
response Ae.g., pointing, eye gaze., and A4. caregiver report of his language comprehension and
expression.
Rationale: Standardized language assessments that require a spoken or fine motor response
may underestimate Jordan's true language abilities due to his motor impairment. hhe SLP must
use a multimodal approach to assessment, adapting tasks to accommodate Jordan's motor
limitations while still obtaining valid information about his receptive and expressive language
skills. hhis approach aligns with the need to "interpret, integrate, and synthesize case history
and results of assessment to develop diagnoses".
Transcript & Full SLP Case Study | 2026 Update |
100% Correct.
Section 1: Case History & Background Information
1. What is Jordan Z.'s primary diagnosis, and how does it impact his communication needs?
Correct Answer: Jordan has spastic paraplegia, which results in significant motor impairment
affecting his ability to produce intelligible speech. His communication impairment is directly
related to his motor limitations rather than a primary language or cognitive disorder.
Rationale: Spastic paraplegia affects voluntary motor control, including the muscles required for
speech production. Jordan's communication difficulties stem from motor execution deficits,
making him an excellent candidate for augmentative and alternative communication AAAC.. hhe
SLP must differentiate between motor-based speech impairment and potential underlying
language or cognitive deficits during the evaluation. AAC assessment should prioritize systems
that accommodate Jordan's motor capabilities and are accessible given his physical limitations.
hhe evaluation is conducted independent of any specific device manufacturer to ensure
objective recommendations.
,2. What are the key components that must be included in a comprehensive AAC assessment for
Jordan?
Correct Answer: A comprehensive AAC assessment must include: A1. case history and caregiver
interview, A2. evaluation of Jordan's current communication methods and effectiveness, A3.
assessment of his motor abilities and access methods, A4. evaluation of his language and
cognitive skills, A5. trialing of various AAC systems and features, and A6. consideration of
environmental factors and communication partners.
Rationale: hhe ASHA Standards for clinical competence require SLPs to "collect case history,
integrating information provided by client, caregivers, and/or other professionals" and to
"conduct a comprehensive assessment by selecting and administering a variety of appropriate
evaluation procedures". AAC assessment must be holistic, considering the individual's strengths,
challenges, and environmental demands. It is not sufficient to simply trial a single device; the
SLP must evaluate multiple access methods, vocabulary organization strategies, and system
features to determine the best match for Jordan's unique needs. Interpretation and synthesis of
all assessment data is required to develop appropriate recommendations for intervention.
3. Why is it important to involve Jordan's caregivers and other professionals in the AAC
evaluation process?
Correct Answer: Involving caregivers, teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and
other team members ensures that the AAC system selected will be functional across all of
Jordan's daily environments and that all team members understand how to support his
communication.
Rationale: AAC systems must work across multiple settings Ahome, school, community.. Jordan's
communication partners need training to support his use of the system. hhe "integrate,
interpret, and synthesize" aspect of assessment requires input from all professionals who work
with Jordan to build a complete picture of his communication needs. Additionally, cultural and
linguistic considerations must be respected; understanding the family's communication values
and preferences is essential for meaningful AAC implementation.
,Section 2: AAC Feature Matching & Access Considerations
4. Jordan's motor impairment from spastic paraplegia primarily affects which aspect of AAC
system selection?
Correct Answer: His motor impairment directly impacts the selection of an access method—
how Jordan will physically operate the AAC system Ae.g., direct selection via finger, head
tracking, eye gaze, switch scanning..
Rationale: Spastic paraplegia affects voluntary motor control. hhe SLP must carefully evaluate
Jordan's motor capabilities to determine which access method will be most efficient and least
fatiguing. Motor assessment should include evaluation of range of motion, accuracy,
consistency, and endurance. hhe chosen access method must be sustainable throughout the day
and across contexts. What works in a clinic setting may not work in a classroom or home
environment. hrial periods with different access methods are essential before finalizing
recommendations.
5. During AAC feature matching, what is the difference between "core vocabulary" and "fringe
vocabulary," and why are both important for Jordan?
Correct Answer: Core vocabulary consists of high-frequency, versatile words Ae.g., "want,"
"more," "go," "help". that can be used across all settings and activities. Fringe vocabulary
consists of specific, topic-related words Ae.g., "dinosaur," "pizza," "science". that are used less
frequently but are important for specific contexts and personal interests. Both are essential for
functional communication.
Rationale: A robust AAC system must include both core and fringe vocabulary. Core words
provide the foundation for generative communication, allowing Jordan to combine words to
express novel ideas. Fringe vocabulary enables him to participate in specific activities, talk about
his interests, and communicate in academic settings. hhe AAC evaluation should consider how
vocabulary will be organized Ae.g., semantic, alphabetical, categorical. and how Jordan will
navigate between core and fringe words efficiently. Vocabulary selection should be personalized
based on Jordan's age A9 years., interests, and communication environments.
, 6. What ethical considerations must the SLP address when recommending a high-tech AAC
system for Jordan?
Correct Answer: hhe SLP must ensure that the recommendation is based on Jordan's individual
needs and capabilities, not on the SLP's familiarity with a particular device. Additionally, the SLP
must consider the family's resources, insurance coverage, and funding options to ensure the
recommended system is realistically obtainable and sustainable.
Rationale: Ethical SLP practice requires that assessments and recommendations are client-
centered and evidence-based. hhe SLP must avoid bias toward specific manufacturers and must
consider multiple system options. Informed consent requires that the family understands the
benefits, limitations, and costs associated with different AAC options. If funding is limited, the
SLP should explore alternative solutions, including low-tech options, loaner programs, or
funding assistance.
Section 3: Assessment hools & Data Interpretation
7. Jordan's communication impairment is primarily motor-based. What is the most appropriate
approach to evaluating his language skills?
Correct Answer: hhe SLP should use a combination of A1. informal language sampling using
materials appropriate for his age and interests, A2. observation of his communication attempts
in natural contexts, A3. standardized language assessments that do not require a motoric
response Ae.g., pointing, eye gaze., and A4. caregiver report of his language comprehension and
expression.
Rationale: Standardized language assessments that require a spoken or fine motor response
may underestimate Jordan's true language abilities due to his motor impairment. hhe SLP must
use a multimodal approach to assessment, adapting tasks to accommodate Jordan's motor
limitations while still obtaining valid information about his receptive and expressive language
skills. hhis approach aligns with the need to "interpret, integrate, and synthesize case history
and results of assessment to develop diagnoses".
