PURPOSE:

AAC is used to help individuals who demonstrate difficulty using speech.   AAC can be high or low tech and can be for short or long term purposes. 

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People and diagnoses that can benefit from AAC include:

• Nonverbal or minimally verbal

• Cannot use voice to communicate

• Developmental Delay

• Apraxia and dyspraxie

• Cerebral Palsy

• Autism Spectrum Disorders

• Cognitive impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Stroke

• Cancer

• Degenerative diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy 

 

WHAT:

• Low tech examples:

  • Writing ​

  • Drawing

  • Spelling words by using letters

  • Pointing to pictures

• High Tech:

  • Use of an app such as an iPad or tablet​

  • Use of speech generating devices such as a computer that uses voice

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COMMON MYTHS ABOUT AAC

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• My child will stop talking and will not develop language if we use AAC

  • This is FALSE!  Research shows that AAC can help develop verbal language and will continue to assist with the development of langue. 

• My child has limited use of arms or legs so they can't use AAC

  • AAC does not require the use of hands or feet.   SLPs can help your child use a device with the most consistent and strongest area of the body which for some kids may be head control or eye gaze. 

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REASONS TO NOT USE ACC

• -They don’t understand language due to age (ie infants)  

• -They are not interested and motivated to communicate.