Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is any method of communication other than speaking that is used by an individual. All of us use AAC each day to communicate such as pointing towards objects, using facial expressions, or texting friends.  

 AAC includes:  

  • Hand or body gestures and facial expressions, 

  • Verbalisations and speech sounds,  

  • Pictures or symbols,  

  • Written text,  

  • Signing using a sign language or keyword sign,  

  • Using a low-tech communication device such as a communication book, or high-tech software such as those that produces a voice.  

Who will benefit from using AAC?  

For those who are non-speaking or minimally speaking, being supported to explore alternative methods of communication gives them a voice to share their ideas, wants, and concerns, make requests and objections, ask questions, and answer questions.   

 It is most commonly used by individuals who: 

  • are autistic,  

  • have an intellectual disability,  

  • have motor difficulties such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy,  

  • have difficulty speaking because of a stroke or another neurological condition. 

Will using AAC stop my child from speaking?  

A common fear that parents have when considering implementing AAC with their child, is that it may cause them to stop developing their verbal speech. In fact, the opposite is true! Research shows that the majority of individuals will experience increases in their oral language after AAC support (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16671842/).  

How can Gameplan help?  

Gameplan can support your child’s communication by supporting them to use a range of alternative communication methods. We recommend scheduling an initial session with Gameplan to discuss your concerns and to get more information, even if you are unsure if AAC is the right option for your child.  

We can:  

  • Complete communication assessments to determine your child’s receptive and expressive language skills,  

  • Support the implementation of aided and non-aided AAC, and low-tech and high-tech AAC devices, 

  • Support the trialling of devices and apps to find the right option, 

  • Build language skills in a range of functional activities,  

  • Provide communication partner training and upskill those working and communicating with the AAC user, 

  • Assist in the implementation of AAC at home, school, and in the community.  

Other information