Who Uses AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication is helpful for anyone who has thoughts to communicate but is unable to speak them using his/her own voice.  This includes individuals with diagnoses such as late talker, autism, childhood apraxia of speech, down syndrome, muscle disorders, or any other diagnosis that can cause a child to be unable to speak his thoughts.  AAC isn’t right for every child with these diagnoses but it is definitely something worth trying.  Every child has the right to be given a voice.

Click Here to See what Prerequisite Skills a Child Needs Before Starting AAC

Does Using AAC Prevent a Child from Speaking?

After reviewing all of the current research on augmentative and alternative communication in 2006, Millar, D. C., Light, J. C., et al. made the following statement about using AAC:

“The present research review provides important preliminary evidence that augmentative and alternative communication interventions do not inhibit speech production; instead, AAC may also support speech production”

How to Get Started Teaching AAC to a Child

Choose one of the options below for a “getting started” guide:

Parents’ and Teachers’ Guide to Getting Started with AAC
Includes information about encouraging the child to use the device

Speech-Language Pathologists’ Guide to Teaching a New AAC Device:
Includes information about selecting devices, writing goals, and taking data to determine if the device is a good fit

What if He Won’t Use It?

Some children seem less than enthusiastic about using their AAC devices.  Check out this video I created in answer to a question from a member who was working with a child who wasn’t motivated to use his AAC device:

What to Do When a Child Won’t Use his AAC Device

What Are the Different Types of AAC?

• Sign Language: Click Here to Learn About Using Sign Language with Children with Speech Delays

• Picture Communication Exchange System (PECS): Click Here to Learn About how PECS can Help Nonverbal Children

• Pictures or Simple Communication Boards: Click Here to Learn How to Make a Cheap Communication Board

• High and Low Tech AAC Systems: Low tech AAC systems can include things like picture boards or simple electronic devices that help a child talk.  High tech augmentative and alternative communication includes the more sophisticated devices that make heavy use of technology.  These are often computer or tablet-like devices where you push a button on a screen and it will either speak a message or open up more choices (like opening a file with many foods when you push “eat”).  These devices can cost thousands of dollars but often insurance will cover part of the cost. Click Here to See Options for Inexpensive AAC Devices and Apps

• AAC Apps: If you have a tablet device or smart phone like an iPad or iPhone, you can download AAC apps that will turn your phone or tablet into a high tech AAC device.  Although these apps can cost hundreds of dollars, they are much more reasonably-priced than their dedicated-device counterparts.  Click Here for a Review of my Favorite Communication/AAC Apps

Can AAC Help a Child with Autism?

Many children with autism have been helped by using augmentative and alternative communication, especially young children who are non-verbal.  Here are some ideas of how you can use AAC with a non-verbal autistic child:

Giving a Voice to Non-Verbal Children with Autism

Using the Picture Exchange Communication System for Children with Autism

How Can AAC Help With Behavior Problems?

If your child is demonstrating inappropriate behaviors due to frustration from lack of communication, AAC can be a wonderful option.  This podcast will talk about different options to alleviate behavior problems with communication-delayed children.

Communication-Based Behavior Problems