AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and this includes all the methods, systems, tools, and strategies used to support a person who has difficulty communicating using speech alone. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech to make it clearer. Alternative means using a different communication method beyond verbal speech, usually necessary when someone is unable to speak, or listeners do not understand the verbal speech.
Depending on the client’s individual needs, a specific device will be recommended by the SLP. There are many different types of AAC including no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech. No-tech and low-tech AAC includes gestures/facial expressions, writing, drawing, picture communication, picture exchange, etc. High tech options include speech generating apps on an iPad or tablet or using a computer that contains a dedicated program to speak and incorporates the child’s full functional communication abilities (these may also be called a Speech Generating Device or a Voice Output Device). Find out more about AAC by visiting the ASHA website by clicking here.
There are many myths behind AAC, and I’d like to help debunk these myths together!
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#1 Myth: Children who use AAC will stop talking altogether
This is not true and there is evidence-based research showing that children who use AAC improve in speech and language skills. AAC is not a method of communication to replace verbal language. According to Romski and Sevcik (2005), the use of AAC does not hinder a child’s communication skills in any way. AAC can enhance a child’s speech and language skills, particularly when implemented early.
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#2 Myth: Children must be “ready” for a device
Children do not have to be “ready” for a device. As SLPs, we help the child learn to use the device functionally and the only way a child can learn the device is to use it!
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#3 Myth: Children who have verbal speech don’t need AAC
If a child does have some verbal language, SLPs provide treatment to make the language functional and easily understood by ALL listeners. Children benefit from the multimodal support that AAC provides – auditory input of the spoken message, visual supports from the icons on the device, and AAC helps to provide a slower pace for conversation.
REFERENCES
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/. Madel, R. (January 2021). AAC Essentials: What Every SLP Needs to Know [PowerPoint Presentation]. SLP Summit, bit.ly/SLPSUMMIT. Romski, M., & Sevcik, R. A. (2005). Augmentative Communication and Early Intervention. Infants & Young Children, 18(3), 174-185. doi:10.1097/00001163-200507000-00002
