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Child at Psychologist

AAC for your toddler

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What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

AAC is a tool, strategy, support, or any communication that is used in place of or in addition to spoken word 

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AAC devices can be no tech devices such as communication boards and visual schedules, low tech devices such as a switch button (pictured left), or higher tech devices such as IPAD applications or devices specifically for communication. 

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Why AAC?

AAC Devices can provide many benefits for children who may eventually acquire spoken words. Research shows:

  • AAC helps children develop language and verbal speech faster

  • Using AAC promotes language and literacy skills

  • AAC gives children a visual and auditory representation of vocabulary words

  • AAC shows children that words have meaning 

  • AAC has been shown to reduce behavioral issues that are a result of frustration 

  • Visual representations improve children's understanding of words

Home: About My Project
Modeling AAC at Home: A Beginner's Guide for Parents
08:19
Anne Page

Modeling AAC at Home: A Beginner's Guide for Parents

Wondering exactly HOW to model Augmentative Alternative Communication for your child? Are you a parent who has a lot of questions? Like: "Do I select every word in a sentence?" "When do I model?" " Why is modeling important?" Here's a simple, straightforward explanation with examples of how to model AAC. Also, see some easy suggestions for modeling during at-home activities so you can get started right away. I'm Anne Page, an ASHA-certified SLP who loves working with students who have complex communication needs. Do you like this video? Then hit the thumbs-up button so other parents and professionals can see it, too. Subscribe to my channel so you can be the first to know when new helpful videos are released. Would you like a copy of this core board for FREE? Grab yours here: https://bit.ly/FREEminicoreboardplus
Low Tech AAC Options at Home
06:29
AACreATively

Low Tech AAC Options at Home

How to Use a Communication Board to Get your Child Talking
03:35
Rachel Madel SLP

How to Use a Communication Board to Get your Child Talking

Access my AAC Freebie Vault: https://www.rachelmadel.com/optin Communication boards are an easy, low-cost way to start helping children with limited language learn how to communicate. In this video, I explain why I use a communication board every day in my speech therapy and the step-by-step process for you to get started. Come on over to my website: http://www.rachelmadel.com/blog to learn even more about supporting AAC. For more videos like this, Subscribe to Rachel Madel SLP YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@rachelmadelslp Want to deep dive? Sign up for one of my courses: https://rachelmadelslp.thinkific.com/courses/AAC-ally #AAC #AACSLP #SPEECHTHERAPY Please come say hello on social media... I love connecting with SLP’s and parents who are eager and motivated to take action. RACHEL ON SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelmadelslp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmadelslp/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelmadelslp My YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@rachelmadelslp
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"Giving every child a chance to reach their full potential is the best work anyone can do."

Hillary Clinton

Image by Jonathan Borba
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Will having AAC goals stop us from working on verbal communication goals?

Absolutely not. Research has shown AAC can actually aid in spoken language acquisition.

Can we still use a device if my child has a fine motor, visual, or physical impairment?

Yes! We can work with your OT and/or PT to insure your family has the best option for them.

Will my child be able to use this device at school or daycare?

Of course! Many teachers are already familiar with AAC devices, however we can set up trainings as well.

Contact Me

Hello! My name is Lori Davis and I am a Speech Pathologist working in early intervention. I also hold a master's degree in Deaf Education and Early Intervention. I created this site to help parents who were struggling with whether to choose AAC for their family. 
I hope you enjoyed reviewing my project - please get in touch if you want to hear more!

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My Sources

Barker, R. M., Akaba, S., Brady, N. C., & Thiemann-Bourque, K. (2013). Support for AAC use in preschool, and growth in language skills, for young children with developmental disabilities. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985), 29(4), 334–346. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2013.848933

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DavidoffMS, Beth E., et al. “Aac with Energy-Earlier.” The ASHA Leader, leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR2.22012017.48. 

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"Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on Speech Production in Children With Autism: A Systematic Review" by Ralf W. Schlosser and Oliver Wendt in American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, August 2008, Vol. 17, 212-230. doi:10.1044/1058-0360(2008/021)

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Elsahar, Y., Hu, S., Bouazza-Marouf, K., Kerr, D., & Mansor, A. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Advances: A Review of Configurations for Individuals with a Speech Disability. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 19(8), 1911. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19081911

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Hartmann, Amanda, and . “Do's and Don'ts of Aac - Modeling.” AssistiveWare, www.assistiveware.com/blog/dos-and-donts-aac-modeling. 

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Janice Light, David McNaughton, David Beukelman, Susan Koch Fager, Melanie Fried-Oken, Thomas Jakobs & Erik Jakobs (2019): Challenges and opportunities in augmentative and alternative communication: Research and technology development to enhance communication and participation for individuals with complex communication needs, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2018.1556732

https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.MIW.22022017.38


Shanahan, Alyssa. “Aac: Low/No- vs. High-Tech.” Simply Special Ed, 16 Nov. 2020, www.simplyspecialed.com/aac-low-no-versus-high-tech/. 

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Tobii Dynavox. AAC Myths Revealed. 

https://www.tobiidynavox.com/globalassets/downloads/aac-myths/myths-aac-and-speech.pdf

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“What Is Aac?” AssistiveWare, www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/what-is-aac. 

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