Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

For children who have difficulty speaking, communication can feel frustrating. Yet, words aren’t the only way we connect and communicate. Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) provides essential tools to help children express their thoughts, needs, and emotions, whether through gestures, symbols, or different types of augmentative and alternative communication devices. In today’s post, we’ll explore what AAC is, when it’s needed, the different types of AAC available, and why it plays a critical role in fostering connections and independence for children with communication challenges.

AAC, or augmented and alternative communication, involves using objects, symbols, charts, photographs, signing, and electronic aids to help a child communicate. Most people use AAC to some degree, such as giving a thumbs-up sign or rolling our eyes. However, these tools are especially effective in supporting children experiencing difficulties communicating using speech.

What is augmentative and alternative communication, i.e., what does it mean? The first “A” in AAC is augmentative, which means adding something to help with communication. These tools can include sign language, pictures, or a letter board to help make the message clearer to your listener. The second “A” stands for alternate, which is applicable when speech is not possible or difficult to understand by others. In these cases, a different communication method can be used, i.e., an augmentative and alternative communication device.

Augmented and alternative communication is essential for those who experience difficulty using spoken language to communicate. For some children, conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, or genetic disorders may limit their ability to rely on speech alone for communication. Others may need help communicating while their speech and language skills are developing or tools to help them make sense of spoken language. In all cases, AAC bridges the communication gap by enabling individuals to express their needs, emotions, and ideas while fostering independence and connection.

AAC incorporates different strategies and tools to aid children in communication when speech is difficult or impossible. While many AAC strategies incorporate facial expressions, gestures, and writing, modern options incorporating technology are also available. Let’s review the primary augmentative and alternative communication examples.

This kind of AAC can help children with limited verbal skills communicate. Using facial expressions and gestures to communicate is much simpler than sign language. For example, a child can express their unhappiness with a situation by frowning or offering a thumbs down.

For children advanced enough, writing is an excellent way to communicate when speech is difficult. This method can be especially beneficial for those with speech impairments but strong literacy skills, enabling them to participate in conversations, share ideas, and advocate for their needs independently.

Some children may not be able to speak but can still spell words using letter boards or other text-based augmentative and alternative communication tools. They can form words and sentences to express their thoughts by pointing to individual letters. This method provides a structured way for children to communicate more complex ideas when gestures or facial expressions aren’t enough.

When children struggle with speech or spelling, visual aids like picture boards, symbol charts, or written words can be effective for communicating. By pointing to images representing common needs like food, emotions, or actions, they can convey their needs and thoughts quickly and clearly. This AAC approach is particularly useful for younger children or those who benefit from visual learning.

Thanks to modern advances in technology, there are also many types of augmentative and alternative communication devices available. What are augmentative and alternative communication devices? Essentially, they are tools designed to help those with speech impairments communicate more effectively. These AAC devices range from low-tech options, such as electronic speech buttons that play pre-recorded messages, to high-tech solutions like tablets and specialized speech-generating devices (SGDs).

These AAC tools fall into two categories: aided augmentative and alternative communication examples or alternative and augmentative communication examples. The difference between aided and unaided AAC is whether or not an outside (i.e., physical) “tool” is involved.

Unaided AAC uses the body and its functions to communicate without outside help. Examples of augmentative and alternative communication without aids or “unaided” include using facial expressions, body language, gestures, or sign language.

Alternatively, aided AAC incorporates supplemental aids or devices to help with communication. Examples of aided augmentative and alternative communication include symbol boards, keyboards, choice cards, alphabet charts, communications books, speech-generating devices, or AAC apps on mobile devices.

Communication is essential for connecting, understanding, and sharing thoughts, emotions, and experiences with others. For children experiencing speech challenges, augmentative and alternative communication offers a bridge to human connection, helping children participate in conversations, form relationships, and engage with the world around them. However, while AAC opens doors to communication, it also comes with challenges. Learning to use AAC tools takes time, patience, and support from caregivers, educators, and speech/language therapists. Some children may struggle with frustration adapting to a new way of expressing themselves, while others may face social barriers or misconceptions about their abilities. Despite these challenges, the impact of alternative and augmentative communication is profound, effectively providing a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.

If your child is demonstrating persistent delays or challenges in their ability to communicate, consider doing a developmental assessment. Early intervention is essential, as speech delays can impact social skills, learning, and overall development. This assessment can help identify any underlying causes and provide guidance on pediatric speech therapy or other supportive strategies to help a child reach their full communication potential.