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Children with speech and language disorders may have difficulty talking. For children who have a hard time speaking, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) systems can help them a lot. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a hard time when it comes to communication. Things like talking, understanding words, and speaking to others are hard for them. Some children can have limited communication or can even be completely nonverbal. Even though they may not be able to communicate with us through speaking, they still have a lot that they want to say. Children with ASD who have a hard time communicating can benefit a lot from an AAC device. An AAC device is a type of assistive technology. It can help people who are unable to speak or express themselves. AAC devices give children with ASD the ability to communicate their wants and needs. These devices help children get better at asking questions and expressing themselves. The devices can help children improve their talking skills at home, at school, and with friends and family. AAC devices may also be help a child with the frustrations that come from their limited ability to communicate (McDaniel, 2012). These devices can be very helpful in treating children with ASD. When it comes to treatment, the main goals are often to increase social skills. Social skills involve communication with others. Treatment also focuses on increasing quality of life and independence. AAC devices would help with all these things.
There are many types of assistive communication devices to use. They can include low-tech or high-tech devices. Low-tech systems can include things like pointing to letters, words, or pictures on a board. They can also include writing a message on a piece of paper. The picture exchange communication system (PECS) is another low-tech system. It uses cards with pictures or symbols that show different actions, tasks, or objects. High-tech systems include electronic devices. Some examples are speech-generating devices, or devices with pre-recorded messages. You can also touch letters or pictures on an electronic screen. There are even apps available that you can download on smartphones and tablets. Some of these speech-generating devices can even speak in different languages (asha.org, 2019).
To start using AAC, parents of children with ASD should work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This SLP should be someone who also specializes in AAC. They will be able to assess the child’s needs and help find the best AAC system for the child. Parents and caregivers should have all the correct knowledge to be able to help during the children’s learning process. Learning how to use an AAC device may seem complicated, but with a lot of practice children will easily be able to adopt the new system.
References
Asha.org. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). [online] Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/ [Accessed 18 Feb. 2019].
McDaniel J. No-Tech and Low-Tech AAC for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): A Guide for Parents. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. https://vkc.mc.vanderbilt.edu/assets/files/resources/aacasd.pdf. Published April 2012. Accessed February 17, 2019.