What Is AAC?

Have you encountered someone using a tablet with small icons to communicate, possibly coming across a social media post of a child using one, or seeing a device being used and represented on TV shows such as Speechless, periodic episodes on Sesame Street, or an episode on The Pitt (pictured) with the doctor introducing a speech-generating device for a non-speaking patient?

These devices, which you may have seen in real life, on television, or on social media, help individuals with communication difficulties communicate. 

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

• Augmentative = communication that supports or supplements speech

• Alternative = communication used instead of speech when spoken communication is not effective or available 

AAC can benefit individuals of all ages with a variety of communication needs. Disabilities that affect speech and language that AAC is often beneficial for are: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Apraxia of Speech, and acquired communication disorders.

What does AAC look like?

AAC can be low-tech, mid-tech, or high-tech.

Low-tech AAC:

Low-tech options do not require batteries or electronic devices. Examples include:

• Picture communication boards

• Communication books

• Visual choice boards

• Alphabet boards

• Printed communication cards

• Written Words

• Gestures and sign

Here are a few examples of what low-tech AAC looks like:

Mid-tech AAC:

Mid-tech options require batteries and are battery-powered electronic tools that play pre-recorded voice messages when a user presses a button. Examples include: 

• Single message buttons

• Multiple-Message Boards

• Sequential buttons

Here are a few examples of what mid-tech AAC looks like:

High-Tech AAC:

High-tech AAC uses electronic technology. Examples include: 

• Tablets with AAC applications

• Dedicated speech-generating devices 

• Devices with synthesized or recorded speech

• Systems that allow users to combine symbols, letters, and words to create messages

Here are a few examples of what high-tech AAC looks like:

AAC is more than requesting:

One common misconception is that AAC is primarily used only to ask for things, whether that be to “eat”, “drink”, or “go”. Requesting matters because everyone requests things when communicating, but communication is much more than requesting. 

AAC can help a person:

• Advocate for themselves, such as being able to say, “I don’t like that” or “go away”

• Ask questions to communication partners.

• Make comments when people are talking with them.

• Tell jokes

• Share stories

• Express emotions

• Greet others

• Talk about people, places, and experiences. 

Will AAC prevent someone from talking?

One of the most common concerns families have is that using AAC will stop a child from developing speech. Research does not support the idea that AAC prevents speech development. AAC can provide an additional way to communicate while spoken language continues to develop. 

Speech therapy (AAC devices purpose)

Clients typically obtain an AAC device through their speech-language pathologist (SLP) after working with the client for several weeks to months and trialing different AAC devices to determine which system best meets the client’s communication needs.

Your child's AAC evaluation process begins with trials of various AAC devices. This may include low-tech, mid-tech, and/or high-tech depending on your child's success with each. The treating SLP may complete the evaluation themselves, or they may refer you to your local Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS) depending on availability. The treating SLP will complete the AAC evaluation, document the child’s communication needs, and submit the evaluation to the child’s insurance for funding consideration. If your insurance does not cover alternative communication devices, ask your therapist about funding sources specifically for AAC devices.

The specific process varies depending on the client’s individual communication needs, the AAC systems being considered, insurance requirements, and the recommendations of the treating speech-language pathologist.

Funding may come through insurance (including Medicaid), school systems, or other assistive-technology programs, depending on the client’s situation.

If you have a child who you feel may benefit from speech therapy to support their communication through an AAC device, contact Little Peach Pediatric Therapy to schedule an initial speech and language evaluation. An SLP can evaluate your child’s current communication skills, discuss their individual needs, and determine whether AAC may be an appropriate tool to support their communication.