Understanding: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
What is Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)?
Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) is a term used to describe communication beyond speaking. AAC is used by all ages and can look different for each person. The amount of time someone uses AAC as their form of communication also varies on the situation, diagnoses, and access to devices. In this blog post we will cover the different types of AAC, common questions about AAC, and how we use various forms of AAC in our clinic.
What are the different types of AAC?
AAC ranges from no-tech to high-tech forms of communication. All modalities of AAC aim to facilitate communication. AAC includes:
gestures and/or facial expressions
pointing to pictures, photos, and/or words
illustrations
writing letters, words, and/or sentences
using phones, tablets, and/or computers with programmed communication boards
using speech-generating devices
Depending on the needs of the client, age, skill, and mobility, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help determine appropriate forms of AAC for your child.
How do AAC devices keep up with new vocabulary words my child is learning?
AAC devices are personal, interchangeable boards that adapt to the needs of your child. For a low-tech AAC device, this may be having different paper squares presented on a board. To allow for the child’s growing vocabulary to be representative on a device, SLPs can use their creativity to allow the board to be changed. This could be using different materials on the back of images to allow for modifications (e.g., Velcro buttons, tape, magnets, etc.). For high-tech AAC devices, SLPs can program communication board apps to include new vocabulary directly in the app. Both low-tech and high-tech AAC devices can be changed to allow for more or less stimuli to best fit the needs of the child.
How does AAC impact spoken language?
Research has shown that AAC devices encourage children to verbalize. AAC combines reading and expressive language skills that support overall language development. Children may use a variety of communication modalities to get their messages across, including the combination of AAC (gestures, communication boards, written language) and spoken language. Overtime, your child may transition from using an AAC device to using spoken language. By empowering and supporting our clients use of AAC, we are also supporting their confidence to share their ideas, ask questions, and explore what mode of communication is best for them. Our goal is to provide accessible ways for children to communicate.
How can we support our child who uses AAC?
Navigating AAC is a journey that our families, clients, and our clinicians take together as a team. Encouragement, patience, and everyday actions can make a huge difference in the success of AAC. Learning AAC is like learning a new language. Progress might seem slow at times, but every small step is building a foundation. Celebrating language attempts in all modalities is one of the best ways to support your child as they discover their own unique voice.
Growing with you,
Grow With Words Team
