Augmentative and alternative communication encompasses various communication modes beyond verbal output, utilizing visuals and verbal feedback.
AAC speech-generating devices range from low-tech options like visual boards, posters, notebooks, sign language, body language, and pictures to high-tech devices that offer visual-aided language stimulation and speech-generation capabilities.
AAC communication devices are useful for everyone! It supports children who need to express themselves, make requests, engage others in conversation, and build their language skills.
Augmentative and alternative communication encompasses various communication modes beyond verbal output, utilizing visuals and verbal feedback. AAC speech-generating devices range from low-tech options like visual boards, posters, notebooks, sign language, body language, and pictures to high-tech devices that offer visual-aided language stimulation and speech-generation capabilities.
AAC communication devices are useful for everyone! It supports children who need to express themselves, make requests, engage others in conversation, and build their language skills.
AAC plays a vital role in fostering children's language development and skills while providing them with an alternative means of communication. Our goal is to empower children to use AAC as their own voice, allowing them to express themselves, share their thoughts, and communicate their feelings effectively.
Through instruction and guidance, we teach children how to utilize their AAC systems to label items or activities, make requests, engage in conversations, answer questions, and more. It's crucial for children to understand that AAC communication devices are tools specifically designed for them. As a result, we strongly recommend incorporating AAC in all environments, be it at school, the grocery store, or at home, to ensure consistent and comprehensive communication support.
Actually, AAC devices increase the likelihood of verbal speech and communication! While the main goal of an AAC system is functional communication, not verbal communication, AAC devices are proven to build vocabulary, provide audio feedback of words, and build grammar or communication skills.
Alternative and augmentative communication methods are essential for those who cannot communicate verbally or who cannot consistently communicate verbally. Regardless of the level of verbal skills, it is essential that children have the opportunity to communicate functionally with others around them.
When it comes to obtaining an AAC speech-generating device to help your child communicate, there are multiple options to explore. Low-tech devices can be crafted using various materials at home or school, while high-tech devices typically require funding for acquisition. Initiating the process with a school evaluation can be a good starting point.
Government programs exist to support AAC device evaluations and provide assistance in the funding process, including the purchase of devices and their accessories. A qualified speech-language pathologist can conduct an AAC evaluation and help identify a communication device that suits your child's daily life and needs. It's important to note that insurance policies vary in terms of coverage for securing such devices, so reaching out to your insurance company is recommended for more detailed information.
Treatment of an auditory processing disorder may include using strategies to improve auditory memory, auditory retention, processing information against background noise, and dichotic listening skills. Speech-language pathologists can work with clients on activities such as speech sound discrimination, audio memory exercises, auditory figure-ground training, dichotic listening activities, and phonemic/phonological awareness tasks. Therapists may also recommend use of assistive technology such as FM systems or adapting environments for better sound quality, which can also help in making listening easier for those who struggle with processing information against background noise. With careful assessment and appropriate intervention from trained speech therapists, significant improvements in auditory processing skills can be achieved.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Website: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)