AAC

Augmentative

supplementing current communication

Alternative

different form of communication

What are the 3 main purposes of AAC?

1. Meet unmet communication needs 2. Increase communication competence 3. Increase participation in society

-What is it called when people are unable to meet daily communication needs through current methods of communication?

Complex Communication Needs (they may require the use of an AAC to express themselves)

Developmental/Congenital:

Down Syndrome, CP, ASD

Acquired:

Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury

Core Vocab

words and messages that are commonly used Ex: No, yes, I want, I need

Developmental Vocab

Words the user doesn't know yet, language growth Ex: beaker, tube, medicine

Fringe Vocab

words and messages that are unique to the user Ex: cool, awesome, slay

Symbol

Something that stands for something

Auditory (spoken words), Graphic (photos), Manual (gestures), Tactile (Braille)

Aid

assistive device that sends or receives messages, electronic or non electronic

Strategy

How a system is used efficiently (increase speed, improve syntax, improve topic maintenance) Ex: word prediction, topic selection

Technique

how messages are transmitted

Direct selection: eye pointing, touch Indirect selection: scanning

2 main questions to consider during an AAC assessment

1) What are the barriers to communication? and 2) What facilitates communication?