More than Just Words: Understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Have you ever been in a situation where your words just wouldn’t come out? 

Maybe you texted a friend instead of calling them or you nodded your head instead of saying “yes” to a question. 

Congratulations! You have just tapped into Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC. 

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of AAC and how it is more relatable than you may think. 

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication? 

AAC refers to all of the different methods people use to communicate that go beyond spoken language. 

We can think of AAC as an umbrella term that encompasses a wide range of tools and strategies designed to enhance communication abilities.

AAC allows individuals to connect in ways that best suit their abilities. 

More than just words everywhere

Picture this: you are in a noisy café and your friend just went up to the counter to order. Instead of yelling across the room, you text your friend what you want to order. 

That’s AAC in action! 

Another example would be giving someone a thumbs up instead of saying “yes” out loud. 

These simple forms of communication show how AAC can enhance our daily interactions. 

Who benefits from Augmentative and Alternative Communication? 

The beauty of AAC is that it supports a wide range of people. 

Consider someone who has recently experienced a stroke and lost their ability to speak. A communication book with different pictures for various topics may help this person more effectively communicate their needs and desires. 

Or have you ever met an Autistic person who communicates using just a few words? They might thrive using a tablet that speaks with the press of a button. 

AAC isn’t just for those who cannot speak; in fact, it helps anyone who finds it challenging to express their needs, wants, thoughts, and feelings. 

In addition, many individuals use AAC to support their spoken language. 

For example, children and adults with a variety of speech and language disorders, including those with cerebral palsy, ALS, autism, and more can find and amplify their voice through AAC. 

Different types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication tools

AAC tools range from low-tech options, like picture boards or symbol cards, to high-tech devices with extensive vocabularies and eye-tracking features. 

There are also many apps that can be downloaded on smartphones and tablets that allow users to type or touch buttons with picture symbols in order to have the device speak their message.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication in a healthcare setting

Communicating effectively during medical appointments or visits to the emergency department is vitally important. 

For many people, healthcare visits can be very stressful, especially for those who have communication or sensory differences. 

At South Shore Health, patients and healthcare providers can both use various AAC tools to support communication. 

For example, a medical communication board that has words and picture symbols can be used to relay information on symptoms, pain, and any needs that patients may have. 

Providers might also use smaller pictures that represent healthcare procedures and equipment that can help patients understand what to expect – you might be able to relate to this if you have ever turned on subtitles while watching a movie so that you don’t miss anything. 

These AAC tools are part of a larger Sensory Informed Care initiative that helps support patients and their communication and sensory challenges. You can learn more about this topic from a sensory point of view by reading this blog post: Preparedness Tips for Sensory-Intense Environments: How to Help Your Children.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication for life

AAC is more than just a set of tools; for many, it's a lifeline. 

By recognizing the various forms of AAC and who can benefit from it, we open the door to more inclusive communication opportunities. 

Whether through gestures, texting, or high-tech speech generating devices, AAC enhances lives and connects us in profound ways. 

Next time you send a text to a friend, think about the broader community you are a part of that values every voice – spoken or unspoken.

Download our Medical Communication Board (PDF), created by Jillian Watson, MS, CCC-SLP.

This blog post was written by Jillian Watson, MS, CCC-SLP and Leah Humphrey, SLP Graduate Student.

Jillian is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who is working together with Marykate Galluzzo, OTD, OTR/L and Julie Garber, OT, OTR/L, MA in Sensory Informed Care development at South Shore Health. Leah is an SLP Graduate Student from Northeastern University.