AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is a set of tools and strategies that an individual uses to solve everyday communicative challenges. Communication can take many forms such as: speech, a shared glance, text, gestures, facial exp
ressions, touch, sign language, symbols, pictures, speech-generating devices, etc. Everyone uses multiple forms of communication, based upon the context and our communication partner. Effective communication occurs when the intent and meaning of one individual is understood by another person. The form is less important than the successful understanding of the message.
Credit to Linda Burkhart for text, https://www.isaac-online.org/english/what-is-aac/
The first “A” in AAC stands for Augmentative Communication. When you augment something, you add to it or supplement. Augmentative communication is when you add something to your speech (eg. sign language, pictures, a letter board). This can make your message clearer to your listener.
The second “A” in AAC stands for Alternative Communication. This is when you are not able to speak. It is also when your speech is not understood by others. In this case, you need a different way to communicate.
Basically, AAC can be tools, systems, devices or strategies. These tools help a person communicate when they cannot rely on speech. Perhaps your child has not started talking. Perhaps you have lost your ability to speak. Perhaps your speech comes and goes. Maybe speaking is harder than other ways to communicate. AAC can help. (See: Assistiveware)
What Types of AAC Are Often Used?
Unaided- AAC that does not require a physical aid or tool
- Facial expressions
- Body language
- Gestures
- Sign language
Aided AAC- AAC that requires tools and materials.
- Symbol boards
- Choice cards
- Communication books
- PODD books
- Keyboards and alphabet charts
- Speech-generating devices or communication devices
- AAC apps on mobile devices
"When a child has significant physical, sensory and/or cognitive disabilities, and lacks speech, it is often difficult for parents and educators to imagine that communication is even possible. Yet, all children can learn to communicate. We will never truly know what children without speech are truly capable of unless we offer them the chance to try AAC. Below are common questions parents and educators ask about AAC." (UNC)
What are the Benefits of AAC?
- Communication and language development
- Decreased frustration and behavior problems
- Prevention of learned helplessness
- Increased cognitive capacity
- Better education opportunities
- Increased potential to learn to read and write. Using AAC helps build literacy skills.
- Ability to share thoughts, knowledge, interests, and feelings with others
- Increased agency (to have a say in is/her own life)
- Ability to inform caretakers of problems, including but not limited to: pain, medical issues, conflicts with other caregivers or peers
- Increased social awareness and interaction
- Ability to know others and to be known by others
- Ability to ask questions, to express wishes and desires, to learn and to grow
- Greater inclusion in school, among peers, and in the community
- Greater potential to self-advocate
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AAC hinder or prevent future speech development?
Absolutely not. Research shows that AAC can actually promote speech development and improve a child’s potential for communication and language development through increased social interaction and initiation. Children who are able to use speech and AAC will always choose the easiest and quickest way to get their message across. If speech is possible it will usually be the preferred mode of communication.
Should AAC be used as a last resort?
No. AAC should be offered as soon as speech delays are suspected. Waiting to use AAC can cause the interventions to be introduced too late. Using AAC can promote language development, social communication and increased cognitive skills.
Can my child use AAC if he/she has significant physical, sensory, and/or intellectual disabilities?
Yes!! There are many different ways to access AAC, even with significant impairments. Some kids can point, or use eye gaze to make selections. This kind of access is called direct access. Other kids have limited muscle control and/or sensory impairments and need additional assistance to access their system. Those children use indirect access methods, like partner-assisted scanning or switch scanning. Every child who is unable to produce natural speech is a candidate for AAC! There is no cognitive prerequisite for learning to communicate.
What are the prerequisites for AAC?
There are NO prerequisites for AAC. You do not have to prove you understand language to begin AAC. You do not have to reach a certain cognitive level to learn AAC. No one is too anything to begin AAC.
At what age should AAC be considered?
AAC can be started at any age. No one is too young, or too old.