What is AAC:
Short for augmentative and alternative communication. Utilized to make communication easier and for growth.
Who uses it:
AAC can include all tools we all use to communicate on a regular basis. Individuals with a communication delay benefit from SGD to support verbal and non verbal output.
Types of AAC:
No tech: doesn’t require extra equipment (pointing, gestures, facial expressions, body and or sign language)
Low Tech: doesn’t require a battery (picture symbol book, writing, alphabet boards)
High Tech: systems using technology (IPads, dedicated systems)
*Common misconception: AAC does not hurt or delay verbal output development. There are a good deal of evidence based studies that show it can actually INCREASE verbal output and aid in language growth.
How to Incorporate AAC into your daily life
Access
AAC users need to access their communication systems all day and at all times, in all environments. Have it out and accessible where they can reach it at home, in the car, at the park etc. Even if they are not consistently using it all on their own, have it available for explorations
Modeling
Use the system as much as possible as a family. Model single words, short phrases etc. That are relevant to an activity your child is doing. Label objects, use action words and descriptive words, even if they are not yet using these words on their own. Modeling will help their language development.
Ways to model
Describe what the child is doing. Describe what you are doing. Provide the words the child is trying to gesture or vocalize by using the device. Expand on child’s words and phrase (I.e. if a child pushes a car and selects “go”, expand on device by modeling “car go”).
Utilize Core Vocabulary
Use words that are common in everyday communication and can be used across activities (I.e. “more”, “yes/no” “go/stop”). Pick 3-5 words for a single activity to focus on to decrease any confusion.
Provide opportunities for your child to communicate: present them with options and open-ended questions, give wait time to allow them to provide a response.
Opportunities across activities:
- Storybook reading
- Playtime (bubbles, trucks & cars, games)
- Watching a video / movie, Science experiment
- Cooking activity
- Fun app (Toca Boca, My Play Home, Potato head)
- Recess locations (swing, tag, etc.)
How to get a device if you feel as though your child would benefit from one
- Talk with your SLP
- After collaborating with your child’s SLP will collaborate with SGD company to determine the best fit/feature matching as there are many types of systems and set ups.
- Complete formal trial (typically over 4-6 weeks)
- After the trial is complete, if determined to be the best fit, documentation about the trial will be submitted to your insurance. Insurance will then determine if they choose to cover cost or a permanent system or if cost will be out of pocket.
What are some common systems we can explore?
- LAMP-Words for Life
- Touch Chat (multichat, wordpower, quick step)
- GRID
- Saltillo