What is AAC?
What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Augmentative means to add to someone's speech, and alternative means to use instead of speech.
AAC is a communication system for individuals with complex communication needs. This can look like a variety of people, but in the school system, AAC is often used with students who are non-verbal or have limited verbal or functional communication. Some individuals with severe speech disorders, such as apraxia, use AAC to aid (or 'augment') their communication as well.
AAC allows individuals with complex communication needs to communicate with others! This can look like requesting items, commenting on situations, gaining attention, asking questions, denying undesired items, participating in conversations, increasing social closeness, and sharing information just to name a few!
AAC can be both low-tech or high-tech. Low tech options include pointing to pictures on core vocabulary boards, writing on paper, even drawing! High-tech options include an iPad or tablet with a communication app, or even using a computer with a voice output. High-tech options are also referred to as speech generating devices (SGDs), since they have voice output.
Great question! This is a common concern many parents and caregivers voice when discussing the need for an AAC system. The great news is that the research does not suggest that using AAC will stop a person from speaking verbally! There is even evidence to support that AAC actually can increase the development and use of spoken language.
SLPs want children to be able to communicate to their full potential. This looks like supporting both verbal speech and AAC, which we refer to as a total communication or multimodal communication support. It is not an "either, or" situation between AAC or verbal speech. SLPs respect any mode of communication, and support overall communication development.