AAC refers to any communication tool that can help someone to communicate their message to others. A speech pathologist may suggest AAC for your child if they have not yet developed their verbal communication skills, or have a small collection of verbal words, or if they could benefit from support to communicate their message more effectively.
AAC is not limited to a specific age group, it can be used by individuals of all ages. Sometimes AAC may be used for a short period or sometimes it can be used long term.
What are the different types of AAC?
AAC can be unaided which includes anyway to communicate using what is readily available such as eye contact, facial expressions, body language, gestures as well as Auslan and Key Word Sign. AAC could also be light technology or high technology. Light technology AAC involves any way to communicate that does not require technology. This includes language stimulation boards and PODD (Pragmatically Organised Dynamic Display) books. These visual communication options involve an individual pointing to a symbol to communicate their message and then their communication partner verbalising it back to them and responding to their message. High technology AAC involves using a communication device or electronic system that generates speech as a means to communicate. This can include an iPad with a communication system such as Proloquo2Go as a common example of a high technology communication device.
How can AAC help my child?
AAC aims to provide a way for individuals to be able to successfully communicate their wants, needs, thoughts and ideas when they are unable to rely on spoken words alone to communicate their message. This can support the individual to have another way to communicate their message successfully which can reduce frustration and increase participation with peers and family. Research has shown that AAC frequently leads to gains in speech development. AAC builds upon speech and language skills as it provides us with a visual image to match each word and also allows us to hear that word being spoken aloud. AAC has also been shown to support reading and writing skills as some AAC forms provide the written label for the word, so the individual is also being exposed to its written form as well as verbal form.
How can I begin learning and using AAC?
The best place to start with AAC is to speak with a speech pathologist. Speech pathologists are specialised in communication skills and will work with you and your child to determine what the best system is to start with. Your speech pathologist may suggest a combination of approaches such as language boards and Key Word Sign or an AAC device and language boards for example. The process may also involve trialling different options to see what will work best for your child. Some important points for starting AAC modelling with your child:
- You can help your child to learn to use AAC by first learning it yourself and then modelling how to use it to your child
- Allow your child the opportunity to watch your modelling without having to say or do anything themselves
- Have the AAC available for access all the time
- A new system can be overwhelming at first, but your speech pathologist can support you to begin with using symbols one at a time to start modelling communication
At SPOT, our speech pathologists will aim to work with you and your child to find the best way to support your child to successfully communicate. Feel free to reach out to SPOT Paediatrics by calling 7228 6825 or emailing admin@spotpaediatrics.com.au for more information.