AAC can be anything from using a few signs to using a dynamic display device with over 5000 words and phrases. AAC can be unaided (e.g., signs, eye gaze, gestures) or unaided (e.g., pictures, dynamic display/tablet).
How do I know if my child is ready for AAC?
The wonderful thing is that there are no perquisite skills for using AAC! In fact your child might already be using AAC to help their communication. Does your child use gestures like shaking their head for yes or no? Do they look at the object they want when you present them with choices? If your child is doing some of these things and they are still having challenges communicating all of their needs and wants you might want to add to their current system.
How can I make my child’s AAC system more robust?
Think about modeling more “signs” for them to use when verbal or spoken language
Take pictures of items they might like to request (think about actions and objects) and place them where they can point or gestures to them
Model gestures when you’re speaking with them (e.g., “I don’t want it!” and make a large gesture of push your hand out from your body)
Who is a good candidate for AAC?
Anyone struggling to be understood using their current method of communication is a good candidate for AAC. Remember there are no prerequisites! So whether your child(or preteen or teen or adult) is having challenges being understood due to another diagnosis such as Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Autism Spectrum Disorder, phonological disorder, Gestalt Language Processing, or Mixed Expressive/ Receptive Language Delay they may benefit from AAC. If you’re not sure where to start reach out to us to schedule a free discovery call we’d love to help you get started, AAC is for everyone!