AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
What is AAC?
AAC are alternative ways to communicate when a person:
- Cannot speak
- Is hard to understand
- Finds it hard to understand others
Augmentative communication refers to adding or supplementing speech. For example, communication boards or sign language. This can make your message clearer to the listener.
Alternative communication refers to when you are unable to speak or your speech is difficult to understand, in which you require a different way to communicate.
Essentially, these can be different forms of communication devices, systems or strategies that a person requires, to support their communication when they are unable to rely on their speech alone.
Who is AAC used for?
Many people who have communication difficulties or speech impairments can benefit, such as:
- A person with a developmental disability e.g., Cerebral Palsy
- Neurological conditions – e.g., Parkinson’s Disease, Motor Neuron Disease
- Brain injury
- Intellectual Disability
What are some considerations for AAC?
It is important to consider many factors when deciding what AAC mode is appropriate for the individual, these include:
- Communicative needs
- Language (symbols, text, pictures)
- Cognition
- Insight/motivation
- Behavioural factors
- Sensory and perceptual abilities
- Mobility
- Daily routine
- Funding/cost
- Environments
A speech pathologist can assist by completing an assessment, providing advice and trialling different AAC options to help decide which mode of communication is best suited to the individual.
What are some types of AAC?
Unaided AAC
This type does not require a physical tool
- Sign Language
- Gestures
- Facial expressions
- Body language
Aided AAC
This type uses materials or physical tools
- Communication boards
- Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)
- Choice visuals
- PODD books
- Speech generating devices
- AAC applications on an iPad
These tools can be categorised into Low vs high tech devices.
What are the benefits of Low Tech Versus High Tech devices?
Low tech devices are non-electronic or paper based e.g., communication boards or visuals.
Pros to low tech devices:
- Simple and quick to implement
- Minimal training required
- Often low cost
- Works under all environments
Pros to High Tech devices:
- Offers auditory output and is dynamic in nature
- Communications are stored and recalled
- Includes a variety of options including Internet, SMS, word processing, voice synthesis
What is Symbol based AAC?
For those individuals who cannot read or spell, a symbol based AAC device can be helpful. These include visual symbols that represent words or whole/part phrases. Some examples are:
- Proloquo2go
- TD snap core
- Communication boards (Core boards)
- Communication books (PODD)
How can individuals benefit from symbol based AAC?
Alternative and augmentative forms of communication can be very beneficial to an individual who cannot rely on their speech alone. AAC works to:
- Supports the development of language skills
- Supports the development of literacy skills
- Decreases frustrations and behaviours
- Increases participation across activities and environments with family and friends
- Builds stronger friendships and connections
- Increases autonomy and decision making
- Improved personal safety with others and in environments
- More employment opportunities
We hope you find these tips helpful. If you have ongoing concerns about your child’s speech or language it is recommended to seek support from a Speech Pathologist.
Contact us to book a Speech Pathology session or for other allied health services today.
