What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. This just means something other than speech that a person might use to communicate.
It’s like having a special toolbox of ways to express thoughts, feelings, and needs when talking is hard. Each tool helps someone communicate in a different way.
Different types of AAC
There are different types of AAC devices, all of which can help us communicate in different ways.
The benefits of AAC
It is important to remember that using AAC won’t stop someone from using verbal speech to communicate, but it is a helpful tool we can use to support them to engage in a wider range of activities they might want to do (Millar et al., 2006, Scholessar & Wendt, 2008).
So, AAC is all about finding the right tool to help someone share their thoughts and feelings, even if they can’t use words like most people do. It’s a fantastic way for everyone to have a voice!
If you think you or your child might benefit from AAC to help them communicate, please do not hesitate to contact Box Hill Speech Pathology on (03) 8658 8886 to book an appointment with one of our speech pathologists.
References:
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. J Speech Lang Hear Res. 49(2):248-64. doi: 10.1044/1092-4388(2006/021).
Schlosser R.W, & Wendt O. (2008). Effects of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on speech production in children with autism: a systematic review. Am J Speech Lang Pathol. 17(3):212-30. doi: 10.1044/1058-0360(2008/021). PMID: 18663107.
Speech Pathology Australia (2024)
