What is AAC?
AAC refers to any form of communication that is used in addition to spoken language and can be used by anyone, of any age. It stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC refers to objects, symbols, photographs, signing and electronic devices that help communication. There is a distinct difference between visuals used to support understanding of language and visuals used for AAC to support expressive communication. This blog is focussing on AAC.
How can AAC help my child to communicate?
AAC supports children’s communication in numerous ways. Children who have communication difficulties can know what they want to say but are unable to communicate it effectively. AAC can bridge this gap. It makes communication accessible and supports children to communicate their wants and needs, leading to independence. This also supports children’s emotional needs: to feel heard and connected with others, supporting wellbeing and reducing frustration.
Types of AAC
AAC comes in many forms, including but not limited to, signs, choice boards, communication books, Objects of Reference, switches, tablets with symbol based communication and eye gaze technology. AAC supports expression (the output of ideas and thoughts). It can use a combination of photos, objects, symbols and words. The choice of AAC should be dependent on your child’s interests, strengths and abilities. For example, some children may enjoy using objects of reference, others may prefer photos, pictures or symbols. If you think your child might benefit from AAC or you have any questions, ask your Speech and Language Therapist.
How do I help my child learn to use their AAC?
The specifics of how to use AAC vary depending on which one you have. However, all types of AAC supporting children’s expression are taught through modelling how to use their AAC. When modelling AAC you first want to familiarise yourself with their AAC. You want to be able to show your child how to find what they’re looking for, what they can communicate and what to do when something goes wrong.
When you feel ready to model:
- Choose a familiar activity that you do every day
- Choose key words or phrases to focus on
- Speak alongside using the AAC
- Reduce the pressure. They don’t need to copy you.
- Model to your child each time you do that activity, then try other activities.
Another aim in modelling the AAC is showing your child how it can create more connections and how it can help them communicate their wants and needs with ease. This is why it is important to keep it low pressure! Remember that all communication, whether it’s with spoken words or AAC should be built on foundations of connection, regulation and joy. When modelling the use of AAC, ensure that the activities you choose are child led and interest and strengths based. For example, if your child likes bubbles and enjoys playing with them throughout the day, you could use them as an opportunity to model the use of AAC. If you’re introducing signs you could model ‘bubbles’ or ‘more.’ If you’re using symbol based AAC you could point to ‘bubbles’ or ‘let’s have bubbles,’ each time you blow them. If you’re unsure, chat to your Speech and Language Therapist.
Things to remember:
- AAC provides the child with a voice and should always be available
- The vocabulary used on the AAC should be individualised and what the child might want to communicate
- If you use an electronic AAC have a paper version available as a back up
Common myths around AAC:
- Will AAC prevent my child talking? No! Research shows that AAC can have a positive effect on children’s language development. A lot of AAC involves making language visual and this helps children remember words more easily. The goal of AAC is not to replace speech but to enhance the child’s ability to communicate.
- Is AAC just for children who have trouble with language? No, AAC can help children with speech sound difficulties too. This could be because a child’s speech is unclear and unfamiliar people have difficulties understanding them, or if the child benefits from support when trying to find words for talking.
- Is AAC just for children who don’t talk? AAC can support all children. The questions that needs to be asked areis can the child communicate their needs and wants in all situations and with everyone? Are communication breakdowns occuring? Could AAC reduce frustration? For example, communicating in difficult situations such in an emergency or when upset can be tricky for some children as processing language is harder when dysregulated or they might feel more pressure using spoken language with people they’re unfamiliar with.
