AAC

What is AAC?

AAC is an inclusive term covering how people communicate in addition to (or instead of) speaking through verbal expression alone. Augmentative methods add to speech, while you use alternative methods in place of speech.

Children and adults at any age can use AAC if they have difficulty with speech production, articulation or language deficits. Some people employ AAC techniques throughout their lives, while others use them for a short time when they're experiencing the most issues around communication.

What methods does AAC include?

There are numerous types of AAC. Some are no- or low-tech options, including:

• Gestures 
• Facial expressions
• Writing
• Drawing
• Pointing at letters to spell words
• Pointing at words, photos, and/or pictures

Technological advances mean patients now benefit from tablet or phone apps and speech-generating devices where a computer speaks their words.

You can combine some or all of these tools to enhance communication. The AAC experts at Honeycomb Speech Services are experienced in all types of AAC, enabling them to accommodate the many ways people communicate. 

How does a speech-language pathologist (SLP) help with AAC?

AAC tools don’t work equally well for every individual, so it’s essential to determine which ones are right for you. Your Honeycomb Speech Services SLP can help you or your child find the most suitable combination of AAC tools. 

Your SLP shows you and the people you frequently communicate with how to use AAC. They liaise with other professionals involved in your care, including occupational and physical therapists, if your physical skills affect how you access AAC. 

Insurance pays for some AAC tools, but not all of them. Your SLP helps you determine the options available from your provider.

Who can use AAC?

AAC can potentially help people at any age, even toddlers.  Test scores or cognitive milestones are not required before using AAC.

Physical disabilities are also not a barrier to AAC either — you can use many aspects of AAC despite having limited or no use of your hands, arms or even visual or hearing deficits. Cutting-edge AAC technologies such as eye-gaze access can be especially helpful when you can’t use a touch screen or point with your hands.

Sometimes, parents worry that using AAC might affect a child’s language development, but this isn’t the case. In fact, AAC can help with emerging language and support literacy skills.

Call Honeycomb Speech Services to learn more about AAC and how it helps with communication skills. Alternatively, you can schedule a consultation by completing the online booking form.