What is Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)? - The basics

What does it stand for?

Alternative and Augmentative Communication. It encompasses any means of communication that can be used alongside speech to support communication or as an alternative to speech.

There is lots of terminology to get your head around in the area of AAC! Here is some of the terminology that you may come across:

Unaided AAC – AAC that is not reliant on equipment or tools, such as signing, gestures, facial expressions, etc.

A group of three people communicating via sign language

Aided AAC – You guessed it this is AAC that uses equipment or tools, such as a communication device, symbols, objects, switches, etc.

A school child communicating on an iPad with an adult communication partner.

Aided AAC can then be further divided into:

Electronic/ high-tech AAC – This is AAC systems that are electronic and require a power source to operate. It includes dedicated communication devices or tablets/ iPads.

Paper-based/ low tech AAC – A system that is not battery operated, such as a communication book, objects, symbols, etc.

Different AAC including two switches, an iPad with TD Snap software, and paper based laminated versions of LAMPS words for life, high contrast super core learning, Alpha core, and numbers and letters in the form of an e-tran frame.

Do we all use forms of AAC?

Yes, we all use AAC throughout the day without realising that it is a form of AAC. Can you think of the AAC you use daily to communicate with people?

Usually, I get up in the morning and start work. I might send some emails and text messages - these usually consist of some emoticons. When talking to people I gesture a lot and use my facial expressions to support what I am saying. – do you do any of these things?

Who might benefit from AAC?

Everyone! As you can see above, we all benefit from using AAC. Most of the clients I support are non-speaking or semi-speaking. For my clients, a robust AAC system may:

• Be used to support those with unclear speech, enabling them to be understood and communicate with a wider variety of communication partners.

• Support self-advocacy skills and development of their independence and autonomy.

• Support access to education.

•  Support a total communication environment for those with clear speech, unclear speech or those who are non-speaking to communicate in the way that best suits them at that moment in time.

There is a wide variety of AAC systems and software available. Each device, software and access method are appropriate for different people. Always research, seek an assessment from a specialist speech and language therapist, and make the most of the various company representatives to pick their brains about the benefits and barriers of each system for you!

Ellie Pettigrew has extensive specialist experience in the area of AAC. If you would like some support on your or your child's AAC journey don’t hesitate to get in touch here!

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For more information on AAC, you can visit the following websites:

What is AAC? - Communication Matters

National Autistic Society

Learn AAC - AssistiveWare

Smartbox

Liberator

Tobii Dynavox Global

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Blog sources

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. (2023. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): An Overview. [Online] Available at: www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy/clinical-information/augmentative-and-alternative-communication/#section-1 [Accessed 13 June 2024].

Emily Higgins-Walsh. (2023). What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication and how can it benefit autistic people?. [Online]. National Autistic Society.. Last Updated: January 2023. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/aug-alt-comm [Accessed 13 June 2024].

Communication Matters. (Unknown). What is AAC?. [Online]. Communication Matters. Available at: https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/what-is-aac/ [Accessed 12 June 2024].