Understanding Assistive Augmentative Communication
These diverse approaches to communication will help your child feel heard
Does your child become frustrated or angry when people can’t understand what they’re trying to say? Those outbursts aren’t the result of bad behavior–they’re your child struggling to communicate. Assistive augmentative communication (AAC) might be the solution they need. At Skills on the Hill in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA we can help you learn more!
There are many different ways to communicate. While most of us communicate through speech, we also communicate through gestures, facial expressions, written text, and more. AAC is an approach that makes full use of alternative means of communication, from drawing pictures to using a speech-to-text generator.
If your child has a condition that makes communication difficult, an AAC can help them express themself in a way that suits their comfort and ability. The pediatric therapists at Skills on the Hill can help your child find the perfect AAC system to ensure their voice is heard–even if speaking isn’t an option.
To learn more about the benefits of assistive augmentative communication, schedule an appointment at our Washington, DC or Arlington, VA pediatric therapy clinic today!
Who can benefit from assistive augmentative communication?
Anyone who has difficulties with speech and language can benefit from AAC. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ve used similar techniques if you’ve ever lost your voice or needed to communicate in a situation where you couldn’t speak out loud.
That said, a formal AAC system can be life-changing for someone with complex communication needs. Several conditions can cause difficulties with speaking, language, or communication overall. If your child has one of these conditions, AAC can be a way to help improve their overall quality of life.
Here are just a few of the conditions that might benefit from the use of assistive augmentative communication:
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Hearing loss
- Speech apraxia (difficulty physically saying what you what to say)
- Brain injury
What are some examples of assistive augmentative communication?
AAC techniques vary wildly, although experts typically classify them into two categories, aided and unaided.
Unaided AAC systems (sometimes called no-tech systems) do not require additional communication materials or equipment. Instead, they only need the communicator’s body. Gestures, facial expressions, body language, and non-language vocalizations would all fall under this category, as would a non-verbal language like American Sign Language.
Aided AAC systems involve the use of external tools to communicate. Aided AAC techniques are generally subdivided into low-tech options and high-tech options.
Low-tech AAC techniques involve tools like pictures, pen and paper, or communication boards. For example, a child might have a sheet with several small images indicating various concepts, such as yes, no, love, hungry, thirsty, and so on. The child can then point to the picture that indicates what they want to communicate.
High-tech AAC techniques involve using technology, such as text-to-speech devices or device apps that function similarly to communication boards (but can fit in your child’s pocket).
Whether you take a no-tech, low-tech, or high-tech approach to assistive augmentative communication, these systems will ensure your child can communicate effectively, opening a whole new world of possibilities.
How Skills on the Hill will help you choose an AAC system
Selecting the right AAC system for your child depends on several factors, including their exact condition and personal preferences. It’s also a process that might take some trial and error.
The Skills on the Hill pediatric therapists can help guide you and your child through that process. We’ll start with a detailed examination to help us better understand your child’s needs. Next, we’ll try out different AAC approaches to see which ones work best.
Once your child has settled on a system, our therapists will also provide education and training to ensure your child is getting the most out of their AAC system. If they have physical difficulties affecting their chosen approach, we can also work with their care team to address those needs.
Finally, we’ll also work with you or other loved ones to ensure you’re communicating effectively, too! We’ll help you better understand how your child communicates using their AAC system so you can get the most out of it, too.
Request your appointment today!
If your child struggles to communicate, providing them with an assistive augmentative communication tool is crucial in improving their overall quality of life. Schedule your appointment at Skills on the Hill in Washington, DC or Arlington, VA to get started!
Sources: