Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a range of tools and techniques that support spoken communication.
Multi-modal communication means using all the ways a person can communicate. This includes gestures, speech, signs, pictures or AAC tools.
The purpose is always to help them share and understand messages. These choices depend on what works best for their skills and abilities.
Talk to a speech and language therapist for advice.
Types of AAC
AAC can include:
- unaided ways to communicate, such as eye contact, facial expression, body language, gesture and signing (for example, Lámh)
- aided low-tech systems, such as objects of reference, photo or symbol communication boards and books
- aided high-tech systems, such as voice-output communication aids or other speech-generating devices
How to support your child using AAC
Encourage your child to use all the ways they can communicate, such as:
- speech or vocalisations
- voice output communication aids
- pictures or objects
- signs or gestures
Place yourself at your child’s level and face them when you are communicating. This is important for reading non-verbal cues such as facial expressions and body language.
Give them time
Allow time for pauses or silence while your child thinks about their response.
Ask one question at a time. Try not to interrupt them if they need more time to communicate their message.
Check if you have fully understood what they said. For example, ask them to use another way to tell or show you.
Communicate in a quiet place
Reduce background noise if possible. Move to a quieter place to help your child focus on the message.
If you are in a noisy place, encourage them to keep trying. Use another way if you have not fully heard or understood.
Let your child ask
Take turns and create chances for your child to start a conversation or ask questions. This means they are not always responding.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage longer answers. For example, ask “what did you do at the weekend?” instead of “did you go swimming at the weekend?”
Help in the early stages
If your child is in the early stages of learning to use AAC, you can support their language by:
- modelling words and short sentences on their AAC system
- expanding their message by adding one word - for example, if they say “ball”, you say “red ball”
- recasting their message by repeating it the correct way, if they have used the wrong word or grammatical structure
More information
Irish Association of Speech & Language Therapists (IASLT) provided guidance on AAC and communication supports.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) or communication aids - iaslt.ie
AsIAm, an autism charity, provide devices, supports and guidance on AAC devices to the Autism community.
AAC support programme - asiam.ie
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) in the UK provide a guide on augmentative and AAC
Augmentative and alternative communication overview - rcslt.org
This content was adapted from a guide Enable Ireland.