Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an umbrella term used by professionals to describe any ways in which we communicate alongside spoken words, or instead of spoken words. We all use these different supplements or alternatives when we communicate, but we don’t usually refer to them as AAC unless they are used by an individual who is experiencing limitations in spoken language. If you are a parent considering how AAC may be able to help your child communicate, it is helpful to know the different types of AAC available, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Children who struggle to communicate with spoken words should have access to several different types of AAC, all coming together to form the child’s AAC System. This post outlines the most common types of AAC used to support children with spoken language difficulties.
Sign Language & Gesture
Gestures (eg., waving, pointing), behavior (e.g., pulling someone to the door to ask to go outside), and sign language are all examples of no tech AAC. These types of AAC are called no tech because they involve a person using only their own body, rather than external technology. No tech AAC strategies are no cost, usually easy to learn, and quick to use, making them an essential part of an AAC system. However, no tech forms of AAC may be harder for less familiar partners to understand. Therefore, they cannot be the only type of AAC available to a communicator who is struggling with spoken words. Other forms of no tech AAC include facial expressions and gaze (i.e., looking at people and things to communicate). Many people who use high tech AAC systems to communicate will continue to use no tech types of AAC across their lifetime, to get communication started, and to communicate more quickly with familiar partners, like family and close friends.
Communication Boards & Books
Picture communication boards and books are both forms of low tech AAC. They are called low tech because they do not require the use of higher technologies or batteries. These types of AAC are usually printed and laminated, displaying words with pictures to help children make choices, ask for things, and to express their ideas. They are readily available at low cost and can be used to communicate in situations where technology may not be best suited, such as in the bathtub or the swimming pool. Having low tech AAC tools available is also a great way to have a backup plan when batteries die or higher technology options are not available. Similar to no tech AAC options, low tech types of AAC do not offer a spoken voice and do not usually have as many words available as higher technology tools. However, they may be easier for less familiar partners to understand then no tech strategies, given the picture and word support they offer. Communication boards and books are a valuable addition to any child’s complete AAC system, as different situations may call for different ways of communicating.
To communicate using a picture communication board or communication book, a child learns to point to the picture of the word they want to say. When first learning, children may touch one picture at a time to ask for things they want, such as food or activities. With modeling and support, children can learn over time to point to sequences of words to make sentences, and to communicate for different reasons beyond their basic wants and needs. If a child has difficulty using their finger to point, communication boards and books can be modified to allow the child to access the words using other methods, such as with their eyes, or by saying yes or no as a partner scans through the words on the board or book.
Picture Communication Devices & Apps
Tablets, computers, and smart phones that display pictures and words for communication are considered high tech AAC. These types of AAC are called high tech because they involve touch-screen technology and require batteries or electricity. There are two main elements to a communication device - the hardware (i.e., the tablet, computer, or smartphone running a program) and the software (e.g., the special app designed for communication). Some AAC devices are created just for communication-these are called dedicated AAC devices. With a dedicated device, a child can only use the software for communication and doesn't usually have access to any other features of the hardware (e.g., web, email, games). You can obtain dedicated AAC devices for specialized companies who usually offer support to help you learn how to use the technology.
You can also use your everyday devices-such as your tablet or smartphone at home-to support your child’s communication, by downloading one of the many AAC apps available. High tech AAC devices usually come with far more words than a communication board or book, and it is generally easier and faster to add new words on these platforms as your child’s needs change. These tools also display words and pictures as they are pressed, and speak messages aloud, making them powerful communication tools for many situations. High tech AAC is more costly than the other forms mentioned here, and may be a bit harder and more time-consuming to learn. There are also some situations for which technology may not be suited, such as in the water, or outside in high sunlight where screens are harder to see.
Using a high tech AAC device is similar to using a communication board or book. The child touches individual pictures on the screen to communicate their wants, needs, and ideas. As a button is pressed, the screen may change to reveal new words that go along with the word that the child selected. The word is usually spoken out loud as the child touches the button, or the device may require the child to touch a bar at the top of the screen to speak the message they;ve created. As with low tech communication boards and books, a child with movement difficulties may access the words on a high tech AAC device using alternative methods, such as eye gaze technology or external switches that are easier to activate with your head or your full hand (rather than one single finger). As a child gains functional reading and spelling skills, they may benefit from types of high tech AAC that support spelling to communicate, offering them endless possibilities to express their own ideas.
There are many types of AAC to choose from, and each type has a role in the best AAC system for your child. Connect with an AAC professional to discuss these options and to compare your choices with what your child needs to thrive as a budding communicator!
Find out what AAC tools are right for your child and family with an AAC tech consultation.
Originally post on the Goally blog