AAC? Impeding speech or augmenting speech?

AAC means Augmentative and Alternative communication.AAC’s are devices, strategies and tools that can support natural speech production. Such tools are used by people who have difficulty in the production of natural speech. A person engaging with an ACC may use it short term or long term depending on the circumstances. Persons with ASD, Cerebral palsy, Developmental delays, Aphasia, Apraxia, degenerative diseases etc can make use of AAC to communicate more efficiently.

The first “A” in AAC stands for Augmentative Communication, that means to supplement natural speech production and the second “A” in AAC stands for Alternative Communication, or using alternative means for communicating. AAC is not used to replace language, rather it helps a person communicate for effectively and efficiently.

AAC can primarily divided into two types : Unaided AAC and Aided AAC.

Unaided AAC means making use of one’s own body and gestures to help communication, like sign language and facial expressions. Aided AAC means making use of an external tool or device to aid communication.

Aided AAC can be of basic type or high end device.

Pointing to letters, pictures words, making use of photographs and picture boards is basic AAC. High Tech AAC devices include using an app or computer system, speech generating devices etc.

When choosing an AAC for an individual , certain aspects need to be taken into consideration.

• The communication needs of the user and the ability of the individual to use a particular communication device.

• The persons perceptual abilities and capacity for learning to use the AAC

• The physical abilities of the user.

A process of selection, trial and implementation needs to be done to meet individual needs, access barriers and opportunities. With assistance from a speech therapist an appropriate AAC device can be chosen to help a person communicate better.