AAC: Three Tips to Increase Communication

Alternative and Augmentative Communication, or AAC, includes a wide range of communication methods, ranging from no-tech to high-tech, that can be used in place of or in addition to spoken language. These can include simple hand gestures and facial expressions (no-tech), a core board or pen and paper (low-tech), a single switch or button (mid-tech), or advanced speech generating devices, or SGDs, and computers (high-tech). The alternatives to spoken language are many! Here are three tips on how you can use these modalities to support spoken language and overall communication: 

1. Keep the AAC system accessible! 

Whether your child uses a core board, switch, or SGD, be sure to keep the system ready and within arm’s reach! AAC isn’t just a tool–but their voice. It shouldn’t be treated as an extra activity but recognized for what it is–their right to communication. You can even try leaving it in the same place so your child knows just where to go when they have something to say.

2. Keep Modeling! 

Just like how many kids pick up on language by hearing others speak, AAC users can better use their systems when they’re given continuous and consistent examples. This can look like: 

• Pointing to related words on their system as you speak. 

• Modeling core words–these are words relevant to your AAC user’s daily communication that can be used in many contexts, such as “more”, “go”, “all done”, and “help”. 

• Building AAC use into daily routine! The more opportunities your child has to use their AAC system, the more ready they’ll be to use it across different settings and activities. You can do this by modeling AAC use to describe happenings at home (e.g., morning/night-time routine, meal times, emotions, turn-taking, and play-time). 

• Having fun! You can use the AAC system as a play-time opportunity by exploring new vocabulary pages together, tapping and activating different words, and being silly. 

3. Celebrate All Communication!

In the same way that babies explore speech through babbling, AAC users can do the same by activating a number of different words, often repeatedly, as they explore their device. Avoid creating expectations around modeling by continuing to provide input without requiring them to imitate your AAC use. If your child does respond, but it doesn’t make sense, show them you’re listening and keep modeling! 

If spoken language isn’t meeting everyday communication needs, your child is eligible for AAC! Remember, AAC can enhance other communication modalities and spoken language, and there’s no minimum age, cognitive, or communication prerequisites to begin! 

Resources:

• https://www.dsrf.org/resources/learn-at-home/top-3-tips-for-using-aac-at-home/

• https://www.elmhurst.edu/blog/busting-myths-about-augmentative-and-alternative-communication/

• https://www.scoopspeech.com/post/aac-augmentative-and-alternative-communication