AAC Supports Communication!

What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is utilized by individuals who have difficulty communicating via natural speech. AAC falls under a big umbrella that includes various tools, strategies, devices, or systems that help support communication. “Augmentative Communication” comes from the word augment which means add to something; therefore, adding something to help enhance speech (i.e. sign language, gestures, picture/letter boards). This is a supplement to communication and can help assist clarity of the intended message. “Alternative Communication” is used when an individual is unable to produce natural speech, is not understood by others, or when speech is not functional. Therefore, an alternative form of communication is needed (i.e. speech generating device, iPad, tablet).

Who uses AAC?

There are a variety of populations with concomitant speech difficulties that can benefit from the use of AAC to support communication. Disorders include but are not limited to:

Developmental & genetic disabilities (eg. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy)
Acquired disorders (eg. stroke, traumatic brain injury)
Progressive disorders (eg. Parkinson’s Disease, ALS)
Cognitive communication disorders (eg. Dementia)

How can AAC support communication?

AAC intervention can have an effect on many different areas of development such as functional communication, challenging behaviors, expressive/receptive language skills, and speech production. AAC intervention can:

Enhance expression of an individual’s wants and needs (eg. requesting, rejecting, making choices).
Create a visual schedule to help minimize challenging behaviors as a result of frustration due to lack of communication and understanding in one’s daily routine.
Promote vocabulary acquisition, support sentence structure, and increase mean length of utterance of an intended message.
Serve as a model to children regarding how to communicate via AAC.

-Brenna C.

References

https://www.assistiveware.com/

Drager, K., Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2010). Effects of AAC interventions on communication and language for young children with complex communication needs. Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine, 3(4), 303-310