Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Program

What is AAC?
Diagnoses that May Impact Verbal Speech
Types of AAC
Benefits

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, which are ways people use to communicate besides talking (verbal speech). Alternative communication is used when someone is unable to speak or is hard to understand. Augmentative communication means adding something to speech to make the message clearer to the listener. This can include pictures, writing or drawings, or using special speech apps or devices. Some people use AAC instead of talking. Other people talk and use AAC.

  • Childhood Apraxia of Speech
  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Down Syndrome
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Cleft Palate
  • Dysarthria
  • Aphasia
  • & more

There are different types of AAC. People of all ages can use AAC. They can range from no or low-tech to high tech versions.

  • Facial expressions/gestures
  • Writing/Drawing
  • Picture cards
  • Recordable buttons
  • iPads with communication apps (high tech)
  • Speech generating devices (high tech)

Using AAC can help your child express what they want and need. It can help them connect with other people and improve their quality of life. Other benefits of AAC include:

  • Having the ability to communicate at your child’s true skill level
  • Offering another way to communicate when verbal speech is too much
  • Being able to learn different parts of language like plural nouns and verb tenses
  • Increasing understanding with new or unfamiliar listeners
  • Helping to lessen breakdowns in communication
  • Decreasing frustrations with communication
  • Increasing confidence with communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will AAC keep my child from learning new words?

A: Children were noted to have an increase in verbal speech when exposed to Aided AAC.

 

Source: Millar, D.C., Light, J.C., & Schlosser, R.W. (2006). The impact of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on the speech production of individuals with developmental disabilities: A research review. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49, 248-264. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2006/021)

Q: My child can talk. Would they need AAC?

A: AAC can be used as a supplement to verbal language and can help children engage in social interactions, repair communication breakdowns, facilitate language development and more.

 

Source: Romski, M., & Sevcik, R.A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention: Myths and realities. Infants and Young Children, 18(3), 174-185

Q: Will my child stop talking if they use AAC?

A: No. In fact, studies show the use of a speech generating device does not have negative effects on verbal speech.

 

Source: Millar, D.C., Light, J.C., & Schlosser, R.W. (2006). The impact of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on the speech production of individuals with developmental disabilities: A research review. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49, 248-264. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2006/021)

Q: Isn’t my child too young for AAC?

A: A group of children as young as 2 ½ years of age who were provided with AAC intervention showed the ability to use the technology.

 

Source: Drager, K.D.R., Light, J.C., Curran Speltz, J., Fallon, K.A., & Jeffries, L.Z. (2003). The performance of typically developing 2 ½ -year-olds on dynamic display AAC technologies with different system layouts and language organizations. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 46, 298-312. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2003/024)

Request a Referral

To begin the AAC process, please request a referral from your doctor that states ‘AAC evaluation and treatment’. Any questions, please email AAC@nationwidechildrens.org.