What is AAC?
What is AAC?
Overview
If you have found us, you’re likely supporting someone who struggles with communication, such as an autistic child who is not speaking, a spouse with ALS/MDN in the process of losing their use of speech, or a client with cerebral palsy whose speech is hard to understand. You may have even heard about augmentative and alternative communication, also known as AAC.
The Communication Bill of Rights states that everyone has the right to learn to communicate, to be spoken with and not about, to know and ask about what’s happening to them and to make their preferences known. Everyone has the right to a communication system all the time and deserves to have a voice. For people with conditions that impact communication, AAC is the means of achieving this basic human right.
Augmentative and alternative communication comes in many forms and offers the ability to express oneself in whichever way works best. It’s usually a combination of the following solutions:
Gestures, body language, facial expressions, pointing, signing and vocalizations.
Printed communication books or pages of symbols/text that can be pointed to.
Touch screen tablets that convert symbols/text to speech or devices controlled by the eyes.
Our perspective on AAC can be summarized with a few concepts...
You may have heard that the person in your care is too young, too old or too impaired to communicate. These are just a few common AAC myths. We believe that no one is ‘too anything’ to be able to communicate. What they’re currently capable of is the floor, not the ceiling, of their ability. There’s no way of knowing how far they can go until you try.
If you are a speech therapist or other professional, we know that getting started and succeeding with AAC isn’t always easy. We’re here with tools and resources to help guide you along the journey.
It is crucial to support and educate the entire communication team. This team includes the AAC user and the key people in their life, such as parents or a spouse, speech therapists, relatives, educators and caregivers. Empowering the team empowers the communicator.
Everyone has the potential to communicate, regardless of their challenges. We call it the ‘Power to be You’. Don't be afraid to raise your expectations. AAC is about having a voice, which means more than the ability to select from presented choices. It can empower a person who can’t speak to ask for and get attention, ask for what they want, share their feelings, and to be given real choices, which they can accept or reject.
You may have heard that AAC will prevent a child from learning to speak or an adult from regaining speech, but research shows the opposite is true. Here we look at common AAC myths and share some facts about them.
Research shows that AAC can help a child speak or an adult regain speech. But there are many myths about AAC claiming the opposite. Let’s take a deep dive into the most common AAC myths, broken down by condition, with the science and expertise debunking them. Be sure to read and share the free AAC myth research handouts linked to each topic. Understanding the facts about common AAC myths will help clinicians and families make informed decisions about AAC and use it to improve communication and quality of life.
You may have heard that AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) prevents people with communication disabilities from gaining or regaining speech. Research and evidence have proven these AAC myths to be false.
AAC won’t prevent someone from talking
AAC can improve speech and language skills at any age
It's never too early or too late to try AAC
AAC can help a person maintain social connections
There are some common misconceptions about augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) for people on the autism spectrum. Let’s explore several AAC myths related to autistic people:
Many SLPs, clinicians and parents worry that introducing AAC will prevent an autistic child from speaking. There is also a common misbelief that a very basic grasp of words is enough for self-expression. These and other myths about AAC are broken down and explained, with facts and evidence below
Myth: “AAC will keep him from talking.”
Truth: Using AAC won’t prevent an autistic person from developing speech. In fact, AAC can encourage speech production.
Myth: “He’s too young to use AAC.”
Truth: There is no evidence to suggest that people must be a certain chronological age to benefit from AAC. Introducing AAC at an early age may even encourage speech.
Myth: “She has enough words to express herself.”
Truth: There is no evidence to suggest that people must be a certain chronological age to benefit from AAC. Introducing AAC at an early age may even encourage speech.
Myth: “We should start with a communication board before we try an AAC device.”
Truth: The provision of AAC tools and techniques doesn’t need to follow a particular order. It is a series of decisions made and revisited regularly based on the individual’s skills and needs.
There are some common misconceptions about augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) for people with ALS/MND. Let’s explore several AAC myths related to pALS/pMND:
Many SLPs and other clinicians understand the benefits of AAC for pALS/pMND (people with ALS/MND). However, some are not sure when to start the process. Evidence shows that trying AAC early after an ALS/MND diagnosis helps pALS/pMND and their caregivers improve overall quality of life on many levels.
Myth: “You should only use AAC when speech becomes too hard to understand.”
Truth: Introducing AAC devices is beneficial even at early stages of ALS/MND. It gives the pALS/pMND time to practice and fine tune the system before full-time use becomes necessary.
Myth: “AAC is complicated and difficult to use.”
Truth: Tobii Dynavox AAC devices are created with user-friendly interfaces that can be customized based on each person’s comfort level with technology.
Myth: “AAC hinders personal connection.”
Truth: AAC devices can enhance communication and help maintain social connections. Recent research shows that AAC improves quality of life in many areas, both for the pALS/pMND and caregivers.
Myth: “It’s too late to try AAC once ALS/MND progresses.”
Truth: It’s never too late to explore AAC options. Access methods such as eye tracking can help pALS/pMND use the computer and AAC software without having to move their body.
There are some common misconceptions about augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) for people with cerebral palsy. Let’s explore several AAC myths related to CP:
Among other misconceptions about AAC for people with cerebral palsy, many SLPs, clinicians and parents believe that it’s better to start with a communication board or other form of low-tech AAC before trying an AAC device. The truth is that this varies among people and differs based on skills and needs.
Myth: “You have to learn AAC at a certain age.”
Truth: AAC can improve speech and enhance language skills at any age. There is no evidence to suggest that someone with cerebral palsy must be a certain age to benefit from AAC.
Myth: “AAC will keep a person with cerebral palsy from speaking.”
Truth: Using AAC won’t prevent someone with cerebral palsy from developing speech. In fact, AAC may encourage speech production.
Myth: “Some speech is enough.”
Truth: Expression of basic needs is not the only reason we communicate. Think about the last conversation you had on the phone with a friend or family member. Were you just relaying basic needs or sharing news about your day? Or maybe you were talking about a vacation, a movie, or your frustration at being stuck in morning traffic. AAC can help people with cerebral palsy communicate like everyone else.
Myth: “It’s necessary to use low-tech AAC tools or techniques before using a high-tech communication device.”
Truth: The effectiveness of AAC tools and techniques will depend on individual skills and needs, which may change over time. What works best varies from person to person.
Help educate others with facts and evidence about AAC. We offer free posters about AAC myths and truths to display in your clinic, school or hospital. Simply register to gain access.