What is AAC Communication?
Is your child facing a speech delay? Do they struggle to understand spoken or written language? Do they seem frustrated by their inability to be understood? Speaking is not the only pathway to effective communication— AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) encapsulates a number of strategies to help your child find and use their voice.
Read on to learn more about how AAC communication and speech therapy unite to help your child turn challenges into triumphs!
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What is AAC?
Communication takes many different forms — alternative & augmented communication encapsulates all those outside of verbal speech. As well as providing a way for your child to express themselves, these means of communication support your child’s journey to speech.
AAC can look different for every child. Some include:
- Unassisted AAC: Communication without external equipment — only using the body.
- Sign Language: By learning a language system such as ASL, a child has access to language wherever they are, with a rich array of gestures to reference.
- Low-Tech (or Non-Electronic) AAC
- Alphabet Boards: Letters arranged on a board to enable the child to point to letters and spell the words in question.
- Picture Boards: A child can point to images on this board to communicate words and ideas.
- Choice Cards: Laminated cards offering the option of yes or no, or various choices (i.e. tennis shoes or flip flops)
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System): A child communicates via handing pictures to a conversational partner to express words or ideas.
- High-Tech AAC
- Dedicated Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs)
- These devices are specifically designed for a child’s speech needs.
- They may include capabilities such as eye-tracking or switch scanning (user flips a switch when the device highlights a desired word or phrase) for those with mobility difficulties.
- Dedicated Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs)
- AAC Apps
- These apps transform a tablet such as an iPad into a speech-generating device.
- Many have a great degree of customization, allowing families to input words and phrases aligned with the child’s interests and selecting a specific voice output.
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Signs Your Child May Benefit from AAC
Your child may benefit from augmented or alternative means of communication if you have noticed any of, or a combination of the following:
Limited or no spoken language
- Not speaking by expected developmental milestones
- Uses only a few words or sounds to communicate
Difficulty being understood
- Frequently misunderstood by family, teachers, or peers
- Frustrated when trying to express themselves
Relies heavily on nonverbal cues
- Points, pulls others, or cries to communicate wants/needs
- Uses facial expressions or behaviors instead of words
Struggles with word-finding or sentence formation
- Knows what they want to say but can’t express it clearly
- Uses very short phrases or incomplete sentences
Behavioral challenges linked to communication
- Frequent tantrums, hitting, or shutting down due to inability to express wants or needs
- Behavior improves when communication support is provided
Diagnosed developmental or neurological conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Intellectual disability
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Understands more than they can express
- Follows directions and responds to language well, but can’t speak accordingly
- Shows signs of strong receptive language but weak expressive language
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.