Written By: Alia Shoemaker, MS, CCC-SLP
What Is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to any way a person can communicate apart from vocal speech. This might include:
Unaided AAC
- Sign language
- Gestures
- Facial expressions
Aided AAC
- Communication boards
- Recordable speech devices
- Speech-generating devices
When your child’s SLP refers to AAC, they are most likely referring to Aided AAC.
Who Can Benefit from AAC?
All people have the basic human right to communicate their thoughts, feelings, opinions, and needs. AAC can give any individual who can’t consistently rely on their voice an alternate way to exercise their communication rights. See the Communication Bill of Rights for more information.
In a pediatric setting, AAC might be recommended for children with:
- Developmental Disorders (ex: Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Neurological Disorders (ex: Cerebral Palsy)
- Genetic Disorders impacting speech/language (ex: Down Syndrome)
- Motor Speech Disorders (ex: Apraxia of Speech)
- Congenital Disabilities impacting speech intelligibility (ex: Cleft Lip/Palate)
- Other Expressive Language Disorders
What Skills Does My Child Need to Have Before They Can Use Aided AAC?
None! The beauty of Aided AAC is that it can be adapted to fit any individual’s situation, and it can even help strengthen skills in some cases. Your child’s therapy team can help choose and personalize a device to fit his or her unique needs. Here are some examples:
- Understanding Communication Symbols: if needed, your child’s SLP can help program in photos or alternative pictures to help your child access AAC vocabulary more easily.
- Understanding Cause and Effect: this is not a pre-requisite; rather, AAC can help TEACH your child that when they use language to communicate, they can make things happen!
- Accessing a Touch Screen: if needed, alternative ways to access a tablet are available, such as eye gaze or switch access.
How Can AAC Help My Child?
AAC can give your child more autonomy to communicate what they are thinking and feeling without having to rely on their caregiver, follow others’ lead, or keep their thoughts and feelings “bottled up” inside. This can lead to reduced behavioral difficulties, fewer “guessing games” to determine what they want/need, and greater communicative confidence for your child.
Will AAC Keep My Child from Speaking?
Absolutely not! The most current research suggests that AAC does not have a negative impact on speech development and can even encourage speech development in some children as they build their vocabulary skills and their understanding of communicative cause and effect.
Every child’s trajectory is unique – it might help to think of AAC as a tool, like a walker or glasses. Not every child needs it, but those that do can access their world more independently with the right prescription. They may need it for a short time or use it long-term; regardless, it can help set them up for their own version of success!
To schedule a consultation or an AAC evaluation, contact our office!
Resources
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) (asha.org)
Communication Bill of Rights (asha.org)
Using AAC Devices with Kids: What Skills Do they Need First? – Speech And Language Kids
