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Augmentative and Alternate Communication Overview

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

By Annabel Gabriel



Introduction


Augmentative and Alternate Communication (AAC) is a type of assistive technology that amplifies existing speech skills or replaces the need for speech by means of other technology. It has been implemented for individuals with developmental or acquired disabilities and allows the individual to effectively communicate with others, increasing independence of the user [1].



What is AAC?


AAC is a set of tools or strategies that support communication or replace speech for individuals with communication difficulty. AAC can be written communication, gestures, or technology for individuals who have difficulty expressing or understanding speech. Augmentative means adding to existing speech to make communication more clear between parties. Types of technology such as sign language, pictures, or letter boards can be used to do this. Alternative means providing a different way to communicate without speech. AAC can be a temporary or permanent solution based on the individual’s needs [1][2].


AAC is generally categorized in two different ways: low tech versus high tech, or aided AAC versus unaided AAC.

No-tech or low-tech options are tools that include:

  • Gestures and facial expressions

  • Writing

  • Drawing

  • Spelling words using letter boards

  • Pointing to photos or written words [1][3].


High tech options include tools such as:

  • An app on an iPad

  • A speech-generating device (a computer with a “voice”) [1][3].


An individual may use more than one device to communicate, because there are many ways that all people communicate. An AAC system is all of the tools an individual may use to communicate [3].



Types of AAC


There are many different types of AAC that can be used for targeted needs in an individual. AAC systems are customizable to fit an individual’s needs. AAC devices and techniques include:

  • Picture Communication Exchange System: This is a technique that emphasizes non-prompted communication. The user exchanges pictures with a partner to exchange information [4].

  • Alphabet Boards: This device allows the user to point to letters to spell out words and phrases.

  • Communication Books: This device contains a set amount of words, pictures, or phrases that the user can point or flip to.

  • Speech-Generating Devices: These are electronic devices with dynamic displays that provide a digital speech output when a word is selected or generated.

  • One or Two-Message Communicators: Allows a single or multiple pre-recorded messages to play [5][6][7][8].


AAC falls into two major adaptability categories:

  • Devices With Static Displays: These kinds of devices can be digital or physical where there are a set amount of words, pictures, or phrases that the user can point to or select.

  • Devices With Dynamic Displays: These kinds of devices can be digital or physical where there are not a set amount of words, pictures, or phrases that the user can point to or select allowing for more dynamic capabilities and communication [8].



Purpose of a Speech-Language Pathologist


Since AAC is highly individualized, the choice of which AAC device or devices to use becomes very complicated. This is why a speech-language pathologist is used to match a user to the correct AAC system. Not all tools work for the same person, so it is important to match the ones that correspond with the user’s needs. Speech-language pathologists work with physical and occupational therapists to identify needs and match an individual [1].



Benefits of Using AAC


AAC can be used by anyone who has difficulty with speech or communication. This includes individuals of all ages with any type of condition. The two most common types of conditions that AAC users have are developmental conditions (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Apraxia of Speech), and Intellectual Disabilities or acquired conditions (Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, progressive neurological conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease). Additionally, AAC can be used both temporarily and long-term spanning any situation [3][9].


AAC provides significant benefits for individuals who have difficulty with speech or communication. Use of AAC can lead to improved communication skills, allowing individuals to express thoughts, feelings, and needs effectively. This can lead to better interaction with others, fostering relationships and developing a sense of belonging within an individual. This can boost an individual’s sense of independence, allowing for increased confidence and self-esteem. Aside from social independence, AAC can lead to better literary skills and allow an individual to expand their vocabulary and understand sentence structures [10][11]. 



Conclusion


Overall, AAC is essential for providing social independence in an individual. This allows autonomy which is crucial for personal development. AAC allows the user to effectively communicate their needs and feelings, develop language skills, develop independence, and improve social interaction and belonging. The implementation of AAC in daily life can significantly improve the quality of life of the user [1].



References:


[1] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC),” ASHA, 2024. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/

‌[3] A. Hartmann, “What is aac?,” www.assistiveware.com, May 17, 2019. https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/what-is-aac

‌[4] A. Bondy and L. Frost, “Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)® |,” Pyramid Educational Consultants, 2017. https://pecsusa.com/pecs/

‌[5] “Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the classroom - Department for Education, Children and Young People,” Department for Education, Children and Young People, 2024. https://www.decyp.tas.gov.au/tdh-course/using-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-in-the-classroom/

‌[6] Child Development Programs, Augmentative And Alternative Communication (AAC): An Introduction, Jan. 2023. https://www.childdevelopmentprograms.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AAC-An-Introduction-v2023-01.pdf (accessed Mar. 03, 2026).

‌[7] D. A. Lewis, “Types of AAC - What is Unaided and Aided AAC?,” Fluent, Sep. 25, 2020. https://www.fluentaac.com/post/types-of-aac

‌[8] L. Maza, “Types of AAC Devices,” Enabling Devices, Apr. 29, 2024. https://enablingdevices.com/blog/types-of-aac-devices/

‌[9] Sense, “Communication aids and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) - Sense,” Sense, Feb. 26, 2025. https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/technology/communication-aids/

‌[10] Otsimo Editorial, “What Are the Benefits of Using High-Tech AAC?,” Otsimo, May 12, 2017. https://otsimo.com/en/benefits-using-high-tech-aac/

‌[11] A. Page, “Six Benefits of Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in the Classroom | Beautiful Speech Life,” Beautiful Speech Life | Inspiration, tips and products for the smart SLP, Jan. 19, 2025. https://beautifulspeechlife.com/six-benefits-of-using-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-in-the-classroom/

 
 
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