


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.
People and diagnoses that can benefit from AAC include:
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Nonverbal or minimally verbal
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Cannot use voice to communicate
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Developmental Delay
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Apraxia and dyspraxie
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Cerebral Palsy
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
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Cognitive impairment
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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Stroke
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Cancer
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Degenerative diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy
WHAT:
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Low tech examples:
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Writing
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Drawing
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Spelling words by using letters
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Pointing to pictures
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High Tech:
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Use of an app such as an iPad or tablet
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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
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This is FALSE! Research shows that AAC can help develop verbal language and will continue to assist with the development of langue.
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My child has limited use of arms or legs so they can't use AAC
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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
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-They don’t understand language due to age (ie infants)
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-They are not interested and motivated to communicate.

