The right AAC system can empower individuals with communication challenges to express themselves, build relationships, and engage more fully in their daily lives. This page will guide you through the key considerations to help you choose the best AAC solution(s). AAC users should always be involved in selecting the best AAC system for them, so we recommend choosing a few systems to model and observing what works best for them.
Unaided AAC
Unaided AAC is great because it is accessible at all times. Here is a short list of some forms of unaided AAC and their benefits:
Body language and facial expression: You can use your own body language to communicate, for example if someone gives you something you don’t want you can move away from it and make a disgusted facial expression whilst saying ‘I don’t want that’. This will support your child to learn and develop their own skills in this area.
Signing: Many children with communication support needs have strengths in visual learning which is why signing can be a great tool. There are different signing systems available, we recommend Makaton for children with Down syndrome amd language delays.
Gestures: You don’t need to have attended a formal training in signing to use your own gestures at home, for example you could use a gesture for ‘come here’ or ‘let’s go’. Your child may also develop their own signs and gestures, so make sure others that communicate with your child know what they mean.
Aided AAC
Aided AAC is where we use a physical thing to communicate. As with any form of AAC aided AAC systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Below you can find a list of aided AAC systems we use frequently with our clients, and potential pros and cons of these identified by parents, therapists and AAC users.
Aided Language Boards
Pros:
- Simple and portable
- Provides a reminder of language to model consistently
- Low cost
- Can be stored with the activity or toy that it is designed to support
Cons:
- Limited number of pictures/cells on a page
- No voice output
- Paper-based boards can wear out or become damaged over time
Communication Books
Pros:
- Comprehensive Communication: Can include a wide range of symbols and topics, allowing for more complex communication.
- Can be organised by category, function or alphabetically and rearranged
- Can be personalised to the client
- Can be added to
Cons:
- Can be bulky, especially those which include a wide range of vocabulary and phrases
- Time consuming: finding the right symbol or page can take time which can cause the communicator to become frustrated
- Can become damaged over time
- No voice output
Choice Boards
Pros:
- Allows choice making which supports autonomy
- Simple to use
- Removable symbols
- Choice boards which have the layered symbols can support motor planning
Cons:
- Often the choices on a choice board are already being communicated in a different way which is just as effective, such as hand leading to the kitchen for a snack or pointing to a favourite toy
- Used alone this is not a robust form of AAC
- No complex language
- No voice output
Visual Scene Displays
Pros:
- Provide language in context
- Can be focused around the client’s interests for example a picture of a train station
- Engaging
Cons:
- Limited cells available around the central picture
- No voice output (unless used on an electronic device)
- If paper based may wear and tear over time
Spelling Charts
Pros:
- Supports literacy development
- Allows for autonomous and flexible communication
- Unlimited vocabulary
- Portable
- Versatile (every AAC system should include access to a spelling chart)
Cons:
- Time-consuming (especially if relying on a communication partner)
- Limited for children who are still developing their literacy skills (but can also support literacy development)
Electronic AAC
Pros:
- Highly customisable: can be added to and changed continuously without the need to re-print and laminate
- Dynamic communication: allows for switching pages and some have built in apps such as controlling Alexa/the TV
- Speech output: variety of voices and accents available
- Some systems are available in different languages
- Portable (such as iPads and other tablets)
- High engagement: we find that for the majority of our autistic clients, electronic AAC is far more engaging than paper based
- Some AAC allows you to program in movie or YouTube clips and original sound sources
- Provides sensory feedback (tactile, auditory and visual)
Cons:
- Cost: an iPad or other tablet will have costs associated with it and there is a charge for some AAC apps
- Can run out of battery: must be charged at all times
- Durability: may get damaged so insurance is a good option
We recommend starting with a few systems and modelling these at home and when out and about, the more you model language on a system the more likely the AAC user is to develop their interest and skills in using it. But remember, always model without expectation, and ensure the AAC user is able to choose their own system which will work for them.
