Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - What? Who? Why? How?

You may not realise, but we all use forms of AAC every day. So what exactly is it, and how can it help you communicate more effectively?

What is AAC?

AAC is any form of communication that can support verbal expression or give someone a voice when they are unable to communicate through speech. We will explore below the two forms of AAC being, unaided and aided.

Unaided AAC involves the use of your body without the assistance of any other tools. Examples of unaided AAC include the use of:

• Sign language such as AUSLAN

• Physical gestures such as pointing and waving

• Facial expressions such as smiling or rolling your eyes

• Body language such as crossing your arms or clapping

• Vocalisations such as grunting or screaming

Aided AAC involves incorporating external supports to enhance or replace verbal speech. External supports are powerful tools that can give someone the ability to communicate more effectively when their verbal speech is challenging, or absent. Examples of aided AAC include:

• Writing with a pen and paper or via text message

• Visuals such as photographs or symbols

• Communication books such as PODD (Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display)

• Communication boards such as Core Word

• Tech tools like iPad's and other speech generating devices

Who can benefit from the use of AAC?

EVERYBODY uses AAC and you may not even realise it! We can communicate and interact with others very clearly without even saying a word. For example, when you shake your head to indicate “no” or showing the shop assistant a picture of the item you want. We also use AAC in combination with verbal speech everyday. For example, we often wave our hand at the same time as we say “hello” or point when describing an item's location.

More specifically, AAC is widely known for its use with people who have complex communication needs and have significant challenges with verbal communication. This may include:

• Diagnosed disabilities

• Stroke

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Neurological diseases

• Specific speech and/or language disorders such as Apraxia

• And many more

AAC doesn’t always have to be used with those who have challenges with communication. It can be used to provide additional visual, auditory and tactile stimulation when teaching new concepts, or as a way of communicating with someone who is not with you, for example, via written notes or text message.

Why do we recommend the use AAC?

AAC will not only enhance your ability to express yourself but it also allows your communication partner to understand and interpret your message more effectively. Some of the benefits to using any form of AAC include:

• Providing additional support to enhance verbal communication

• Giving those with significant communication challenges a voice to express themselves

• Proven to develop expressive and receptive language skills

• Encouraging more verbal output

• Providing additional visual, auditory and/or tactile stimulation for language and speech development

• Helping other people to understand your message clearer

Communication is everyone’s right and AAC ensures this

How to determine the most appropriate form of AAC?

As we discussed above, anyone can use AAC and often people use unaided AAC everyday without realising it. The selection of AAC methods are dependent on many factors including:

• Your own motivations

• Your level of need or difficulty

• Your personal preferences

• Your ability to use methods across environments

• Your level of support from close family and friends

• And most importantly, YOUR ‘end goal’

The end goal is to identify what successfully implementing an AAC device will look like and mean for you. This may be being able to tell someone your basic needs such as, when you’re hungry or need the toilet. It may be so that you can independently order your own meal at a café or have an ongoing two-way conversation with someone, or to be able to communicate just as effectively through AAC as someone can verbally.

Articulate Speech Pathology specialises in the use of AAC. We have the experience and knowledge to ensure that you receive the most appropriate support to achieve your communication goals. So, whatever your end goal is, we are here to help.

If you'd like any more information on the use of AAC, or to get an assessment, please get in touch with us at info@articulatespeech.com.au or give us a call on 0401 347 766.