AAC

What is it?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Low to high tech systems are used to supplement (the augmentative part of AAC) existing communication or create an alternative system for those that are have not yet found a communication system that works for them.

There are 2 main categories of words we work on:

Core Vocabulary include the words that make up the majority of what we say. They include words like go, eat, I, more, done, stop, like, etc.

Fringe Vocabulary include words that are used less frequently than core vocabulary words and needed for specific situations, activities, or people. For example the animals that you may see at the zoo- giraffe, zebra, penguin, elephant, lion, etc. or words that apply to going the doctor- thermometer, scale, stethoscope, bandaid, shot, etc.

Types of AAC

AAC can range from no tech (no technology) to high tech (more complex technology). Listed below are some of the many examples of AAC.

  • Gestures

  • Using physical items

  • Picture icons

  • Drawings

  • Communication boards on paper

  • Speech switches

  • Speech generating devices

STRATEGIES

  • Work with you SLP to learn how to use and model the AAC system for your child.

  • Model using the AAC system. It takes many exposures to learn how to use it.

  • Use the AAC system in different settings and with different communication partners.

  • Bring the AAC system with the child where they go.

  • Be patient and keep modeling.