AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)/A-A-C/

AAC includes any form of communication beyond natural speech. It's not about intelligence or capability—brilliant people use AAC for countless reasons, from autism and cerebral palsy to ALS and temporary situations like post-surgery recovery.

AAC types:

• No-tech: Gestures, facial expressions, body language, written notes
• Low-tech: Picture cards, communication boards, symbol books
• High-tech: Speech-generating apps, devices with voice output, eye-gaze systems

Key principles:

• Multimodal: Most AAC users combine methods (speaking when able, typing when tired, symbols when overwhelmed)
• Dynamic: Needs change hourly, daily, situationally
• Supportive: AAC actually helps develop speech, doesn't hinder it
• Universal: Everyone uses AAC sometimes (texting instead of calling, emojis for emotions)

Many autistic people use AAC during shutdowns, after meltdowns, or when masking exhaustion makes speech impossible. It's not "failure to communicate"—it's successful adaptation.

Everyday Life Examples

Morning variability: Emma speaks fluently most days, but mornings are hard. She uses a simple AAC app to request breakfast, answer questions, and communicate needs until speech becomes available around 10 AM.

Selective mutism: At home, Jake talks nonstop. At school, anxiety makes speech impossible. His AAC device lets him participate in class, joke with friends, and advocate for himself without forcing speech.

Energy preservation: Dr. Chen lectures using AAC to preserve energy for patient care. What looks like "can speak but chooses not to" is actually careful resource management for a full professional life.

Practical Strategies

Starting AAC:

• Begin with core words (want, more, help, stop, go) not just nouns
• Model AAC use—point to symbols while speaking
• Have backup methods (low-tech for when devices die)
• Start using AAC before it's "necessary"

Supporting AAC users:

• Wait time—processing and motor planning take time
• Assume competence—communication difficulty ≠ cognitive disability
• Honor all communication forms equally
• Include AAC users in conversations about them

Environmental support:

• Visual supports everywhere (labels, schedules, choice boards)
• Multiple communication channels available
• Normalize different communication styles
• Never remove AAC as punishment

Quick Tips

• Today: Notice how often you use AAC (texts, emojis, gestures)
• This week: Learn three signs or symbols for common needs
• This month: Add visual supports to one environment
• Long-term: Advocate for AAC acceptance in your community

The neurodivergent community sees AAC as a human right, not a last resort. Many autistic AAC users report:

• Reduced anxiety when speech isn't demanded
• Better emotional regulation with reliable communication
• Less masking exhaustion
• More authentic self-expression

Community wisdom: "AAC isn't about being unable to speak—it's about being able to communicate reliably, sustainably, and authentically."

Do / Don't

Do's

• Presume competence regardless of communication method
• Provide AAC options proactively
• Accept silence as valid communication
• Use age-appropriate content/vocabulary
• Model AAC use naturally

Don'ts

• Don't test or quiz understanding
• Don't physically prompt without consent
• Don't speak louder/slower unless asked
• Don't remove AAC to "encourage" speech
• Don't finish sentences uninvited

For Families and Caregivers

Your family member using AAC doesn't mean giving up on speech—it means ensuring communication always works. Many AAC users develop speech later when pressure is removed.

Supporting AAC at home:

• Learn their system—become fluent in their language
• Use AAC yourself during daily routines
• Celebrate all communication attempts
• Connect with AAC-using families for support
• Document what works to share with schools/therapists

Remember: How someone communicates doesn't determine what they can achieve.

For Schools and Workplaces

Educators: AAC users need:

• Device access at all times (it's their voice)
• Extra processing time
• Multiple ways to show knowledge
• Peer education about AAC
• AAC-fluent support staff

Employers: AAC in the workplace means:

• Written meeting agendas
• Multiple participation methods
• Time for AAC users to contribute
• Education for colleagues
• Recognition that AAC users are fully capable professionals

Intersectionality & Variation

• Age: Kids need different AAC than adults; needs evolve with development
• Culture: Some cultures embrace gesture/visual communication more readily
• Gender: Girls often pressured toward speech; boys more readily offered AAC
• Class: High-tech AAC is expensive; low-tech options must be available
• Setting: Different environments require different AAC strategies

Related Terms

• Selective Mutism - Situation-specific inability to speak
• Autistic Shutdown - Temporary loss of skills including speech
• Masking - Exhausting performance that can make speech unsustainable
• Communication Rights - The principle that everyone deserves communication access
• Total Communication - Using all available communication methods