Let's Talk | AAC
AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, is a form of communication used by individuals who are nonverbal, meaning they cannot consistently rely on verbal speech to communicate. Last week, I wrote a blog post that dives in to nonverbal communication and if you are interested, you can read the post here.
What is AAC?
I like to think of AAC as a toolbox for individuals who are nonverbal. Each person has different methods of AAC in their toolbox, and users do not have to stick to one method at all times. AAC refers to a variety of ways that individuals can communicate to support or compensate for a severe expressive language disorder. AAC can be used permanently for the duration of a person’s life, or temporarily, like after a traumatic brain injury, until verbal speech returns.
Who uses AAC?
The American Speech Language Hearing Association estimates that “over 2 million persons who present with significant expressive language impairment use AAC.” AAC can be used in both cases of congenital and acquired disorders. Some congenital disorders that may require a person to utilize AAC are: intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and genetic syndromes (such as Down syndrome). Others may use AAC due to something acquired, such as a stroke, traumatic brain injury, intubation, surgery of the mouth/larynx, and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). AAC is used by a variety of individuals - young and old - across the lifespan, with a variety of unique needs.
What are the types of AAC?
There are two types of AAC: Unaided AAC and Aided AAC
Unaided AAC does not require any additional tools, but usually does require an individual to have motor control of both the face and arms, as well as an informed communication partner to interpret the message. Some examples of unaided AAC are:
Body language/facial expression - requires gross and fine motor control of the body/face
Gestures - requires gross and fine motor control of the hands/arms
American Sign Language (requires a communication partner that knows ASL)
Aided AAC does require some form of external support, such as an additional tool or device. There are two types of Aided AAC - Low tech and High tech.
Low Tech AAC requires little to no technology, such as pictures, objects, written language, or, most commonly, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
High Tech AAC requires varying amounts of technology in order to be successful. Examples include:
an iPad/tablet with a communication app (Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, etc.)
a speech generating device (SGD) - an electronic device in which users select photos, or icons, which are turned into synthesized speech to produce the intended message
AAC is confusing to understand at first, but this visual from OCDC Speech can help you better learn the two types of AAC. If you are looking for more evidence-based information, visit ASHA.
Photo property of OCDC Speech
