What is AAC and does my child need it?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a communication system that offers pictures, icons, words and speech generating options for those who have a difficult time using oral words. It encompasses the communication methods used to supplement or replace speech or writing, AAC can be low tech as in pictures, a paper core board, and gestures. High tech AAC can be an app on an iphone, tablet, or android, or a dedicated device such as from Dynavox. Research shows that using AAC for minimally or non speaking children or children with childhood apraxia of speech actually increases their oral expressive speech and their receptive language skills. I am a firm believer in presuming competence with all my clients and I do believe a robust system is best practice because it grows with your child and allows for a variety of communicative purposes. We do not want to limit a child’s vocabulary or possibilities with their language. Everyone deserves a voice and to be able to express themselves! Contrary to popular belief, there are no pre-requisites for a robust AAC system. Using an AAC app is like learning a new language and takes practice. Modeling words during daily activities or play on the app for your child with out expectation is the best way to start. It is also good to allow the child to explore the icons, pictures and press random buttons which is considered “babbling” on the device. In the picture above, I am using AAC to model “bottle” along with speaking to the child (Let’s give baby a bottle!”) during play with a baby doll. You never want to force a child to use AAC or prompt them by rewarding them with something to get them to use it (for instance “now say it on your talker”) This can cause a negative reaction and frustration for the child. Best practice is modeling a word on it and making it fun! I like to use it when playing favorite songs that children choose and model an icon like BUS for Wheels on the Bus, or Star for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. You do NOT have to model an entire sentence! It takes patience and practice to get familiar with where words are located on the app or device. There are many things to consider when choosing robust AAC, also but that is for another blog! There is now a FREE ROBUST AAC APP available for android and apple devices! I am excited to share this with parents because some apps are expensive and getting a device through insurance if they cover it can be a daunting experience and take months sometimes.