Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AC)
What is AC? | Causes | Evaluations | Treatment | Examples of Equipment | Why Cincinnati Children's? | Contact us
What is AC?
Augmentative communication (AC) and alternative communication (AC) are terms used to refer to "nonspeech communication." Augmentative communication means partial dependency on nonspeech communication; alternative communication means total dependency on nonspeech communication.
AC devices can be used to supplement or replace verbal speech and vary depending on the child's skills and needs, as well as on the problems experienced by the child. Assistive devices can be electronic talking boxes, computers, books and boards with pictures or letters, or sign language.
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What causes AAC?
Some children need to use AAC because they are born with disabilities like cerebral palsy. Other children get disabilities when they are older because they have an accident or an illness.
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What happens during an evaluation for the correct choice of an augmentative device?
The correct choice of an augmentative device is made after a thorough evaluation of a child's needs. The AC evaluation is done by a speech pathologist and, in some cases, an occupational therapist. Information is obtained through parent reports, formal speech and language testing, observation of play, and through the trial implementation of various speech-generating devices. A recommendation is then made for the appropriate augmentative communication system, based on the child's current abilities and needs.
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What is the treatment?
In therapy, the child is taught to use either a speech-generating device or an alternative form of communication, such as PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Both forms will enhance the development of the child's expressive language skills.
Examples of AC Equipment
- Devices that have no electronics—such as alphabet, symbol, or picture boards. The child points to or looks at the specific letters, words, symbols, or pictures that are represented on the boards in order to show what he or she wants to communicate.
- Electronic aids that allow the child to type the letters and words that he or she wants to communicate; the devices then say aloud what the child has typed.
- Electronic aids that show pictures, symbols, or words on the screen; the child can then choose the one to be spoken.
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Why Cincinnati Children's?
As a national leader in pediatric speech pathology, Cincinnati Children's has a program for AC. This program is staffed by speech-language pathologists who have undergone specific specialty training. We welcome referrals from primary care providers and specialty physicians.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Written 11/06; Revised 10/07
