Top 5 Reasons to Give AAC a Try
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is an incredibly powerful tool for communicators across all ages - it allows persons with communication disorders to use low to high tech tools to express their wants, needs, and thoughts. Despite its potential power, many caregivers, educators, and other team members are sometimes hesitant to try out AAC - it’s understandable! It’s something new! Looking for a little inspiration to get you, your loved one, or your teammates excited to give AAC a try? Read on to learn the top 5 benefits of AAC!
If AAC and the concept of a total communication approach is new to you, head on over to last month’s blog post, Total Communication: A flexible approach to communicating to learn more! In short, the main concept behind total communication is that ALL forms of communication have value, and by accepting all forms of communication we empower those around us to best express their wants, needs, and thoughts, all while interacting with the world around them and learning the power of language. AAC specifically refers to any low, mid, or high-tech tool that helps a person to express themselves. It might be laminated pictures or communication boards, it might be a GoTalk device or a Big Mac button, or it might be more technologically advanced, like an iPad or dedicated tablet with a categorically organized communication app like TouchChat with WordPower.
Often, caregivers, educators, and other team members can be overwhelmed when the concept of AAC is first introduced. As with all new things, it takes time to get comfortable and used to a new piece of technology, no matter how low or high tech it might be. That goes not only for us as the communication partners, but especially for the person with a communication disorder, be it an Autistic child, a person with Aphasia, or an adult with ALS. That means we as the communication partners need to put our fears and activation energy deficits aside, find our enthusiasm, and get excited about the potential for this new communication tool! I know it can be tough, especially in today’s world of extreme overwhelm, but the potential dividends are HUGE - imagine giving your loved one the power to tell you EXACTLY what they’ve been wanted to say to you ALL along, but just couldn’t express!
AAC can help someone who cannot speak verbally because of a speech or voice issue, like muscle weakness or lack of coordination. It can also help someone who cannot communicate verbally due to expressive language challenges. Read on to learn just a few of the reasons that AAC can be incredibly powerful!
AAC improves ALL components of language - by connecting words with pictures and voice output, we not only empower an AAC user to express themselves, but we also can help them to better develop their understanding of language too! I can’t tell you how many children and adults I’ve seen gain or regain receptive language skills in addition to expressive language skills when using AAC.
AAC is a safety aid - whether it’s communicating that your stomach hurts, asking for help, or explaining that you have a communication disorder to a law enforcement officer or medical professional, being able to use easily understood forms of communication is key to safety. We need to ensure that people with communication disorders can tell us when they are in pain, that they can ask for help, and that they can advocate for themselves in times of crisis.
AAC teaches the power of language - when a child or adult learns or re-learns that words, gestures, or pictures can get their needs met, it teaches them concretely WHY we use language. This can be incredibly helpful in replacing unsafe behaviors, and can help potential AAC users to explain what’s wrong, rather than simply reacting to the situation at hand.
AAC increases the chances of verbal speech - this may be counter-intuitive for some, but studies have shown time and again the AAC actually increases the chances that a user will speak verbally. While verbal speech certainly is not the be-all, end-all, it is extremely efficient and convenient, so anything we can do to open this door is incredibly helpful. When an AAC user, particularly in the case of a system that has voice output, selects a button or picture, the meaning of that intended unit of communication is further enforced. They are provided with an accurate auditory (heard) model of what the word should sound like. They see a picture that is associated with the word. Often, they see the written form of the word. This multi-modal presentation and repetition over time can be incredibly powerful in helping AAC users, if their anatomy allows, to increase their verbal speech.
AAC opens the doors to social interaction - the reality of the world is that social interaction is primarily based on communication. By enabling someone to tell a friend what they did over the weekend, or to talk about their favorite TV show, we provide our AAC users with social opportunities to form lasting friendships and learn about the potential gratification of social interaction.
Wondering if an AAC system might be right for you or your loved one? Reach out today so we can get you started on your AAC journey!