Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 

AAC is all the ways to communicate besides talking. Augmentative means to add to someone’s speech. Alternative means to be used instead of speech. AAC can be used by people of all ages who have trouble with speech or language skills. Some people use AAC throughout their life. Others may use AAC only for a short time. There are a lot of different types tools and strategies that can be used.

No-tech and low-tech options include things like

  • gestures and facial expressions,

  • writing,

  • drawing,

  • spelling words by pointing to letters, and

  • pointing to photos, pictures, or written words.

High-tech options include things like

  • using an app on an iPad or tablet to communicate and

  • using a computer with a “voice," sometimes called a speech-generating device.

An SLP can help find the right AAC system for you or your loved one. They also help you and the people you talk with learn how to use AAC to communicate. Not every tool works for every person, so it is important to find the right one for you.

Common Concerns

Many people have questions or concerns when it comes to AAC. Here are some of the areas that research has helped us understand.

Age, Skills, and Timing

Some people wonder if children need to be a certain age before they can use AAC. Research shows that AAC helps people of all ages (even those younger than 3 years old)! You can use AAC early. There are no thinking skills, test scores, or other milestones that you need to reach before AAC can help.

Talking and Motivation

A lot of people wonder if using AAC will stop someone from talking or will slow down language development. This is not true—research shows that AAC can actually help with these concerns! People who use AAC can also learn how to read and write.

Movement

You might wonder how someone can use AAC if they have trouble moving their arms and hands. There are many ways to use an AAC system besides touching it. Your SLP may work with occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) to find the best way for each person to use their AAC system.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/

How do I teach my child to use AAC?

Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is a teaching strategy that helps people learn to use AAC tools by modeling.

How it works

A communication partner models language by pointing to symbols or words on the AAC device while speaking. The communication partner provides input in the same language they teach the AAC user to output.

When to use it

ALS can be used in any daily routine, such as mealtime, arts and crafts, or play time.

How to use it

  • Get the person's attention: Make sure the person is paying attention before you start.

  • Create a message: Select icons on the person's AAC device to create a message, and say the word that corresponds to each icon.

  • Repeat the message: Repeat the message verbally to the person.

  • Ask a follow-up question: Keep the communication going by asking the person a follow-up question.

  • Model frequently: Model as often as possible, and model in natural interactions and conversations.

  • Incorporate pauses: Provide wait time to give the person time to process what you modeled.