Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC), a form of Assistive Technology, encompasses any approach designed to support, enhance or augment communication for people who cannot independently communicate by speech in all situations.  It includes any communication technique other than speech, such as facial expressions, gestures, sign language, eye gaze, pictures, initial-letter cuing, computerized devices.

AAC support if for children who:

• are at risk for developing speech (e.g. they lack oral-motor imitation, have sucking/swallowing  problems, retain primitive oral reflex patterns, severe mental retardation, autism, severe motor speech disorders); 0r
• are at risk for losing speech (e.g. children with progressive neurological disorders such as myotonic dystrophy or a progressive hearing loss)
  don’t presently have adequate speech (e.g. children with a significant receptive/expressive language gap or unintelligible speech)

Benefits of AAC:

• Increased vocalizations, verbalizations, and articulation; comprehension; interpersonal interactions; creative use of language; attention span; self-esteem
• Decreased disruptive and aggressive behavior; self-stimulation; frustration

AAC Training Resources

• AA What? – parent presentation
• Proloquo
• Supporting Communication Device Use
• ERLC-Webinar: Issues and Trends in AAC Interventions for People with ASD – In Conversation with Dr. Ganz
• AAC Institute-Free courses with PDU’s and CDU’s about AAC basics and more