Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Difference between revisions
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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a field of research, clinical, and educational practice. AAC involves the use of methods to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by individuals of all ages, with a range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. An AAC user uses an AAC system to enhance their communication. AAC systems are diverse: unaided communication uses no equipment and includes signing and body language, while aided approaches use external tools. | Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a field of research, clinical, and educational practice. AAC involves the use of methods to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by individuals of all ages, with a range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. An AAC user uses an AAC system to enhance their communication. AAC systems are diverse: unaided communication uses no equipment and includes signing and body language, while aided approaches use external tools. | ||
[[Image:Detail-147053.jpg|thumb|center|A person using an AAC system, which includes a speech-generating device.]] | |||
== Types of AAC == | == Types of AAC == | ||
Revision as of 21:23, 28 December 2025
Introduction
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a field of research, clinical, and educational practice. AAC involves the use of methods to supplement or replace speech or writing for those with impairments in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language. AAC is used by individuals of all ages, with a range of speech and language impairments, including congenital impairments such as cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment and autism, and acquired conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. An AAC user uses an AAC system to enhance their communication. AAC systems are diverse: unaided communication uses no equipment and includes signing and body language, while aided approaches use external tools.
Types of AAC
AAC systems are grouped into two categories: unaided systems and aided systems. Unaided AAC systems require only the user's body to convey messages. Examples include gestures, facial expressions, and sign language. Aided AAC systems require the use of tools or equipment in addition to the user's body. Aided communication methods can range from paper and pencil to communication books or boards to devices that produce voice output (speech generating devices or SGD) and/or written output. Electronic devices can be static display, where the user selects a message from a set array, or dynamic display, which allows for additional message options.
Unaided AAC
Unaided communication systems are those that do not require an external tool and rely solely on the user's body. Common unaided communication systems include American Sign Language (ASL), Pidgin Signed English (PSE), body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These methods require good motor control, particularly of the hands and face. Individuals with severe physical impairments may not be able to use unaided systems effectively.
Aided AAC
Aided AAC systems require some form of external equipment, ranging from simple to complex. Examples of simple aided systems include communication boards and books, alphabet boards, and picture schedules. More complex aided systems include voice output communication aids (VOCAs), speech-generating devices (SGDs), and computer-based communication devices. These systems can be used alone or in combination with unaided systems to enhance communication.
AAC Strategies
AAC strategies are the techniques used by individuals and their communication partners to optimize the effectiveness of AAC systems. These strategies can be grouped into two categories: those that support message encoding and those that support message decoding. Message encoding strategies include techniques for selecting and organizing vocabulary, constructing messages, and managing communication rate. Message decoding strategies include techniques for interpreting the messages generated by the AAC user.
AAC Assessment
AAC assessment is a complex process that involves a thorough evaluation of an individual's communication abilities and needs. The goal of an AAC assessment is to identify the most effective communication methods for an individual. This process involves a team of professionals, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators, as well as the individual and their family.
AAC Implementation
AAC implementation involves the ongoing use, programming, and customization of an AAC system. This process is dynamic and requires ongoing assessment and modification. AAC implementation also involves training for the individual, their communication partners, and the professionals supporting them.
AAC Research and Future Directions
Research in AAC is a rapidly growing field that spans a variety of disciplines. Current research topics include improving access to AAC for individuals with severe physical impairments, developing new AAC technologies, and understanding the social and psychological factors that influence AAC use. Future directions for AAC research include the development of brain-computer interfaces for communication, the use of virtual reality in AAC training, and the exploration of how AAC use influences language development and social interaction.