What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This just means another mode of communication, other than speech, that a person might use to communicate.
We all use AAC in our daily lives, like when we use gestures, or body language, or written notes to help get our point across. Using these different ways of communicating help us express our thoughts, feelings, and needs whenever we want, even when we aren’t talking.
There are two broad types of AAC, unaided and aided:
Unaided AAC does not require any equipment or tools, just the communicator’s body. This includes body language, gestures, vocalisations, Key Word Sign, or Auslan.
Babies use unaided AAC to communicate things before they can use words, like when they point to their favourite toy, use body language to turn away from a green veggie, or when making different vocalisations to express something.
Aided AAC requires the use of equipment or tools in addition to the communicator’s body. This includes visuals, writing, communication boards, and speech generating devices.
Teachers use aided AAC in classrooms, like visuals, to show their students the schedule for the day. Adults use aided AAC every time they write something down or write things down on a calendar. Speech pathologists often use aided AAC in our sessions, when we use and model language on aided language displays, or communication boards, during activities.
High tech AAC devices, or speech generating devices, are electronic devices that individuals with complex communication needs may benefit from. High tech AAC devices may be appropriate for Autistic individuals, late talkers, children with apraxia of speech, or those with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or a brain injury.
There are many types of high tech AAC devices and there is no “best” program or app. If your speech pathologist recommends a high tech AAC device, several programs will be trialled to see what is best suited to the individual and the family.
The benefits of AAC
It is important to remember that using AAC won’t stop someone from using verbal speech to communicate. In fact, research has shown that using AAC helps support verbal speech development! AAC is a helpful tool that allows a communicator to engage in a wider range of activities they might want to do, in a way that feels comfortable and achievable for them.
Often, children with communication difficulties will feel frustrated that they are not being understood by their family members, or teachers, or peers. This frustration could result in the child shutting down, not participating in group activities, or physical behaviours like hitting or kicking to get their point across. AAC can be hugely beneficial in these instances, giving the child a voice and a method of communication that others understand. AAC allows the child to be able to communicate whenever, wherever, and however they want!
Modelling AAC
Modelling AAC is when a parent, speech pathologist, or any communication partner uses the AAC system to talk to the AAC user. We point to words or press words on the system as we speak. Just like we have to model for a baby to learn how to wave bye-bye, or clap their hands, we have to model on aided AAC too! A child is going to require modelling to see how they can use the communication board or high-tech AAC device to communicate effectively.
Any modelling is better than none, so start small and build up each day! The more modelling the user sees, the more they are learning. Modelling real messages in natural conversations is a valuable way for AAC users to see the power of meaningful communication.
Below are some great resources on AAC: