AAC Misconceptions

What is a Speech Pathologist’s role?

It is the Speech Pathologist’s role to maximise an individual’s communication to help improve their quality of life (Speech Pathology Australia, 2020).

So, what is Augmentative Alternative Communication?

·      Augmentative Alternative Communication, or AAC, is another way to communicate besides spoken word.  

·      AAC makes use of a variety of strategies, techniques and devices which can help support children with communication difficulties.  

·      AAC is used to help people to communicate their wants and needs, thoughts, feelings and ideas.  

There are 2 main types of AAC:

·      Unaided AAC which is using our body to communicate, like using gestures, pointing and/or manual sign (Keyword Sign).

·      Aided AAC which is communicating using supports outside of our body, such as devices/technology or pictures.

What is AAC high-tech devices vs low-tech devices?

·      There are 3 forms of AAC being:

o   LOW-TECH: being paper-based resources (e.g pictures, communication books or boards). 

o   MID-TECH: being simple electronic devices which can display or vocalise messages.

o   HIGH-TECH: this is an electronic device, such as a tablet (iPad), computer and/or phone to help communicate and create a message.

Who uses AAC?

AAC can support children including those with:

·      Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

·      Cerebral palsy

·      Traumatic brain injury

·      Complex communication needs

The benefits of AAC?

Improves communication skills, for example:

·      Increasing language and social skills

·      Increase children to express their wants, needs and feelings.

·      In some individuals increase speaking (natural speech). 

·      Support the development of grammar and social communication skills, like greetings, requesting, engaging in back-and-forth conversation.   

AAC is another way to communicate! 

Will using AAC stop my child from talking?

This is a common worry, but research strongly reassures us that:

·      AAC is used to build language and communication skills, rather than to just increasing speaking (speech production).

·      Research shows that AAC intervention can have a positive benefit and support speaking (natural speech production), but more research needs to be done.

·      AAC is a valid form of communication and it is an individual’s choice on how they communicate and what they are comfortable with. 

·      Schlosser & Wendt, (2008) suggest that AAC does not hinder speech production (speaking) and may lead to increased speech production.

·      Clinicians and family need to have realistic expectations when small gains are seen.

Be mindful that gains in speaking (speech production) is considered like a bonus of AAC intervention, not as an expectation. 

If you would like more information click on the link and read:

·      Speech Pathology Australia’s webpage

·      ASHA’s webpage