AUGMENTATIVE SPEECH THERAPY AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION
WHAT IS AAC?
Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) is the use of any communication other than oral speech. AAC may include: facial expressions, gestures, sign language, writing, picture symbols, and voice output devices. AAC may be used as a supplement to or as a substitute for oral communication.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF AAC?
The goal of AAC is spontaneous communication of an individual’s wants, needs, desires, and thoughts in the quickest, most efficient manner. At the highest level, an AAC user should be able to independently communicate any message to any person at any time.
WHO NEEDS AAC?
When a young child’s speech is not developing within the realm of what is considered “typical,” or if the child is at risk for not developing speech, that child is considered a candidate for AAC. Even if the child may develop speech later, as is typically the case, the child may still benefit from an AAC program. (http://aac.unl.edu/yaack/b1.html)
While our focus at Laskin Therapy is primarily on children, we welcome adults in our clinic as well. Others beside the children described above who may benefit from AAC are those with congenital, acquired and degenerative diseases severely affecting one’s ability to communicate verbally. (See Causes Severe Expressive Communication Disorders link)
MY CHILD HAS A DEVICE, BUT I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Our staff has five trained speech therapists that can help assist you and your child on your journey to independent communication.
WHERE CAN I CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS OF DEVICE USERS?
If you would like to connect with other parents of device users, please email: aac@laskintherapygroup.com for information on how to join our invitation only AAC Facebook Page.
I THINK MY CHILD IS A CANDIDATE FOR AAC, NOW WHAT?
If you think that your child would benefit from using AAC, please contact us at Laskin Therapy Group. We will be happy to talk with you about your child and see if AAC may be beneficial for your child.
COMMON CAUSES OF SEVERE EXPRESSIVE COMMUNICATION DISORDERS:
More than 2 million people in the United States have a severe communication disorder that impairs their ability to talk. This problem may be short or long and may be congenital (present at birth), acquired (occurring later in life), or degenerative (worsening throughout life).
TYPES OF AAC
Unaided Systems- rely on the individual’s body (i.e. facial expression, gestures, sign language)
Aided Systems- require equipment other than the user’s body (i.e. pencil and paper, communication book, picture exchange system, voice output device)