What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Communication is about so much more than talking; it is about connecting with others,
having the power to make decisions, sharing experiences and being understood.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) gives people another mode of
communication when verbal speech is difficult. Whether it’s using pictures, a communication
book, signs or a speech-generating device, AAC encourages and enables individuals to
participate meaningfully in everyday life and have their voice heard.
Augmentative = supporting or adding to spoken communication
Alternative = providing another way to communicate when spoken language is difficult.
Who benefits from AAC?
AAC can support a range of individuals of all ages who have difficulty communicating using
speech alone. AAC can often benefit individuals with:

• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Childhood Apraxia of Speech
• Acquired brain injury
• Progressive neurological conditions (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s
  disease)
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Intellectual disorder
• Developmental language disorder
  Does AAC replace verbal speech?
  Short answer….. NO!
  One of the most common misconceptions regarding AAC is that using it will stop the
  individual from learning how to verbally communicate using speech. Research consistently
  shows that AAC does not replace or hinder the development of speech.
  More recent research continues to support the early introduction of AAC, demonstrating that
  providing an effective means of communication can reduce frustration, create more
  opportunities for language learning and even encourage social interaction (Romski & Sevcik,
  2005; Romski et al., 2010).
  Every individual’s communication is unique. Some people use AAC alongside speech, some
  individuals develop more speech over time, while others rely on AAC as their primary
  method of communication. Regardless of how AAC is used, the overall goal of AAC is to
  ensure that everyone has a reliable method to express themselves and participate
  meaningfully in their life.

Different types of AAC:
AAC comes in many different forms and can be tailored to meet each individual’s unique
communication needs. Some types of AAC require no equipment, such as gestures, body
language, facial expressions or sign language (unaided AAC)

Aided AAC includes supports to communication that require a device or tool. It can be
classed into low-tech or high-tech options.
Low-tech AAC does not require the use of electronics but may include picture
communication boards, choice boards, alphabet boards or visual supports. These tools allow
individuals to communicate by pointing to pictures, symbols, words or letters.
High-tech AAC uses electronic devices that can produce spoken language. This may include
communication apps on tablets or on dedicated speech devices. Many high-tech AAC
systems can be personalised with photos, phrases and vocabulary that reflect the
individual’s interests, communication needs and daily routines.
There is no “one size fits all” AAC system. The most effective AAC is the one that best
matches the individual’s strengths, communication goals and everyday environments while
supporting meaningful participation in their daily life.

References:
Romski, M. A., & Sevcik, R. A. (2005). Augmentative communication and early intervention:
Myths and realities. Infants & Young Children, 18(3), 174–185.
Romski, M. A., Sevcik, R. A., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Whitmore, A. S. (2010). Early intervention
and AAC: What a difference 30 years makes. Augmentative and Alternative Communication,
26(4), 181–202.References: