What Is The Best Way For Children To Learn AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a set of tools and strategies that help people with speech or language difficulties to communicate effectively. AAC can range from simple picture boards to sophisticated electronic devices.  

This blog post will guide you through the process of using AAC, from assessment to daily implementation. 

Key Takeaways 

• AAC use starts with a thorough assessment of individual needs 

• Choosing the right AAC system is crucial for successful communication 

• Proper training for both users and communication partners is essential 

• AAC should be part of daily life for best results 

• Ongoing support and evaluation help adjust the AAC approach as needed 

Related Posts: Facts & Myths About Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AAC systems come in many forms, from basic picture boards to advanced electronic devices. The main goal of AAC is to help people express themselves when speaking is difficult or not possible.  

These systems can benefit individuals with various conditions, including autism, cerebral palsy, and motor neuron diseases.  

AAC can also help those who have had strokes or traumatic brain injuries. AAC systems are divided into two main categories: low-tech and high-tech. Low-tech systems don’t need batteries or electronics.  

They include things like picture boards, communication books, and letter boards. High-tech systems are electronic devices or software applications. These can be dedicated AAC devices, tablets with special AAC apps, or eye-gaze systems. 

The choice of AAC system depends on the user’s needs, abilities, and preferences. Some people might use a mix of low-tech and high-tech solutions in different situations.  

The key is finding a system that allows the user to communicate effectively and comfortably. 

The first step in using AAC is a thorough assessment. This evaluation looks at the individual’s communication needs, abilities, and preferences. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) usually does this assessment.  

They might work with other professionals like occupational therapists or physical therapists.The assessment process involves observing how the person currently communicates. The SLP will look at the individual’s strengths and challenges in communication.  

They’ll also consider the person’s daily routines and the people they communicate with most often. This helps create a complete picture of the individual’s communication needs. 

The assessment takes into account several important factors. These include motor skills, which affect how easily the person can use different types of AAC systems.  

Cognitive abilities are also important, as they influence how complex the AAC system can be. Sensory needs are considered too, especially for individuals who might have visual or hearing impairments. 

The assessment also looks at the person’s current communication methods. This could include gestures, vocalizations, or any other ways they express themselves.  

Environmental factors are important too. The SLP will consider where and when the person needs to communicate most often. 

Based on the assessment, the SLP works with the individual and their family to set communication goals. These goals guide the selection of an appropriate AAC system. Goals might include expressing basic needs, joining in social interactions, or communicating in school or work settings. 

The goals should be specific and achievable. For example, a goal might be “to independently request preferred items during mealtimes.” Another goal could be “to participate in classroom discussions by answering yes/no questions.”  

These goals help focus the AAC intervention and provide a way to measure progress. 

Choosing the right AAC system is a crucial step in the process. The system should match the user’s abilities and needs. It should also be adaptable to grow with the user’s skills over time. 

For some users, a low-tech system like a picture board might be the best choice. These are simple to use and don’t require charging or complex setup. They can be especially useful for beginners or as a backup to high-tech systems. 

High-tech systems offer more advanced features. They can store large vocabularies and even predict words to speed up communication. Some can generate speech, allowing non-verbal users to participate in spoken conversations.  

However, they require more training to use effectively and need regular charging or battery replacement. The choice of system also depends on the user’s physical abilities. Someone with good fine motor skills might do well with a touch-screen device.  

For those with limited mobility, eye-gaze systems or switch-operated devices might be better options. Cost and funding options are also important considerations.  

Some AAC devices can be expensive, but there may be funding available through insurance, educational systems, or charitable organizations. 

The key is to choose a system that the user can access easily, that meets their current needs, and that can be expanded or adapted as their skills improve. It’s often helpful to try out different systems before making a final choice. 

Once an AAC system is chosen, it needs to be customized with appropriate vocabulary and symbols. This is a critical step in making the system useful and effective for the individual user.The vocabulary should reflect the user’s communication needs.  

It should include words and phrases for expressing basic needs, participating in social interactions, and discussing topics of interest. The vocabulary should be age-appropriate and relevant to the user’s daily life. 

For example, a young child’s AAC system might focus on words related to toys, family members, and basic needs. An adult’s system might include vocabulary for work-related communication, social interactions, and personal interests. 

Symbols in AAC can include pictures, icons, or written words. The choice depends on the user’s visual processing abilities and literacy skills. Some users may benefit from photographic symbols, especially for concrete objects.  

Others might prefer line drawings or abstract icons. The key is to choose symbols that the user can easily recognize and remember. 

Organizing the vocabulary effectively is also important. It should allow quick and easy access to frequently used words and phrases. Common organizational strategies include grouping by category (e.g., food, activities, feelings), arranging by parts of speech, or using core vocabulary boards. 

Core vocabulary boards focus on the most commonly used words in language, which can make communication more efficient. These often include words like “want,” “go,” “help,” and “more.” 

The organization should be logical and consistent, making it easy for the user to find the words they need. It’s often helpful to involve the user in this process, as they may have insights into what organization makes the most sense to them. 

Remember, the vocabulary and organization can be adjusted over time as the user’s needs change or as they become more proficient with the system.  

Regular review and updates of the vocabulary are an important part of ongoing AAC support. 

Effective training is crucial for successful AAC use. This includes training for the AAC user, as well as for their communication partners. For the AAC user, training covers how to navigate the system, locate and select symbols or words, and combine symbols to form messages.  

It also includes practice in using different communication functions, such as asking questions, making comments, or expressing feelings. 

Training should be hands-on and occur in natural settings when possible. This helps the user see how AAC can be used in real-life situations. It’s important to start with simple tasks and gradually increase complexity as the user becomes more comfortable with the system. Communication partner training is equally important.  

This includes family members, caregivers, teachers, and friends. They need to learn how to respond to AAC communication and how to encourage its use. 

Partners learn strategies such as waiting for the AAC user to respond, confirming their understanding of messages, and modeling AAC use themselves. They also learn how to create opportunities for communication throughout the day. 

Training should also cover troubleshooting common issues with the AAC system. This might include what to do if the device isn’t working properly, or how to add new vocabulary as needed. 

Remember that learning to use AAC is a process that takes time and practice. Patience and persistence are key. Celebrate small successes along the way to keep motivation high. 

For AAC to be truly effective, it needs to be integrated into all aspects of the user’s daily life. This means ensuring that the AAC system is available and used throughout the day, not just during specific “communication times.” 

Creating opportunities for communication is crucial. This might involve identifying natural communication opportunities throughout the day, such as mealtimes, playtime, or bedtime routines. It’s important to encourage AAC use in various settings – at home, in school, and in the community.  

Many daily activities can be adapted to incorporate AAC. For example, during mealtime, the AAC user could be encouraged to express food preferences or request more of a favorite item. During playtime, they could use their AAC system to choose activities or comment on what they’re doing.In school settings, AAC can be used for academic tasks.  

This might include answering questions, participating in group discussions, or completing assignments. For adults, AAC can be integrated into work-related communication or social activities. The goal is to make AAC a natural and expected part of the user’s communication.  

This not only improves their skills with the system but also helps others see AAC as a normal and accepted form of communication. It’s important to remember that integrating AAC into daily life is a gradual process.

Start with a few key activities or times of day, and gradually expand as the user becomes more comfortable and proficient with their system. 

Using AAC is an ongoing process that requires continuous support and evaluation. Regular check-ins with an AAC specialist or speech-language pathologist are important to monitor progress and address any challenges that arise. 

These check-ins might involve assessing how well the current AAC system is meeting the user’s needs. As the user’s skills and needs change, adjustments to the AAC approach may be necessary. This could include expanding vocabulary, changing symbol types, or even upgrading to a more advanced system. 

It’s also important to address any challenges that come up. Common issues might include technical difficulties with the device, resistance from the user or communication partners, or difficulty generalizing skills across different settings.  

Ongoing support can help troubleshoot these issues as they arise. Flexibility is key in ensuring the AAC system continues to meet the user’s needs. What works well at one stage may need to be adjusted as the user’s communication skills and needs evolve.

This might involve adding new vocabulary, changing the organization of the system, or introducing new communication strategies. It’s also valuable to celebrate successes along the way.  

Recognizing and acknowledging progress, no matter how small, can help maintain motivation and enthusiasm for using AAC. Remember, the ultimate goal of AAC is to support effective communication and enhance quality of life.  

Regular evaluation and ongoing support help ensure that the AAC system continues to serve this purpose effectively. 

There are several different access methods for AAC systems, each suited to different physical abilities and needs. Understanding these options is crucial for selecting the most appropriate AAC system. 

Touch access is the most straightforward method, suitable for users with adequate fine motor skills. It involves directly touching symbols on a board or screen. This method is intuitive and can be very quick, but it requires the user to have the physical ability to accurately point and touch specific areas. 

Eye gaze systems track eye movements to select symbols. This method is particularly useful for individuals with limited physical mobility, such as those with ALS or severe cerebral palsy. While it can be very effective, it does require the user to have good control over their eye movements and the ability to focus their gaze. 

Switch scanning allows users to select items by activating a switch when the desired option is highlighted. This method can be used with various body parts – a hand, foot, or even a slight head movement can activate a switch.  

While it can be slower than direct selection methods, it’s highly adaptable to different physical abilities.Head pointing systems use head movements to control a cursor or pointer.  

This can be an effective method for some users with physical disabilities who have good head control. It often uses camera technology to track head movements, translating them into cursor movements on a screen. 

Partner-assisted scanning involves a communication partner pointing to or reading options aloud, with the AAC user indicating their choice through a predetermined signal. This method doesn’t require any special equipment, making it a good backup option.  

However, it does rely on the availability and patience of a communication partner.The choice of access method depends on the individual’s physical abilities, cognitive skills, and personal preferences.  

Often, a combination of methods might be used in different situations. For example, someone might use eye gaze for their main AAC device but use partner-assisted scanning as a backup when the device isn’t available. 

It’s important to work with an AAC specialist to determine the most appropriate access method. This often involves trying out different options to see what works best.  

Remember, the goal is to find a method that allows for the most efficient and effective communication possible. 

Using AAC effectively requires a personalized approach that starts with a thorough assessment and continues with ongoing support and adaptation.  

With the right system and implementation strategy, AAC can significantly improve communication and quality of life for users. 

AAC opens up new possibilities for expression, independence, and participation in daily activities. It allows individuals who struggle with verbal communication to express their thoughts, needs, and personalities.  

This can lead to improved social interactions, better educational outcomes, and increased independence in daily life. Remember, every AAC journey is unique. What works for one person may not work for another.  

That’s why it’s crucial to work closely with AAC professionals who can provide guidance tailored to everyone’s needs and abilities.