AAC Treatment, What Does it Look Like?

Does your child struggle with verbal communication? You may find that your child is becoming frustrated as a result of communication breakdowns. At South Shore Therapies, we're dedicated to helping children just like yours. We provide premier augmentative alternative communication therapies in order to support your child's ability to express themselves. Our services are available to Hingham, Pembroke and Norwood, MA residents and those living in the surrounding communities.

What Is Augmentative Alternative Communication?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to all forms of communication aside from verbal expression. AAC can be used as an addition to verbal expression, or in place of it. Some individuals may use AAC for a short period of time, while others may use AAC throughout their life.

Types of AAC

AAC therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. As such, we create augmentative alternative communication treatment plans unique to each individual. We typically use two different types of AAC, and each client's treatment will fall into one of these categories:

Unaided Systems: Unaided systems do not require any outside tools or devices to improve communication. Those who receive this type of AAC are encouraged to use gesturing, facial expressions, body language, and even sign language to express themselves. 

Aided Systems: This type of AAC therapy uses a device for communication. Some of these "devices" might be as simple as a pen and paper or pictures. Other clients are better suited to technological tools, such as iPad apps or speech-generating devices.

Augmentative Alternative Communication Devices

Just like there are two types of AAC, there are two kinds of devices that can effectively treat these speech disorders. Most AAC devices can be described as either "dedicated" or "non-dedicated." Let's look deeper into each of these options:

Dedicated: Dedicated AAC devices are only used for the purpose of communication. You are not able to access other applications on a dedicated device.

Non-Dedicated: Non-dedicated AAC devices are those that are not solely intended for communication purposes. iPads are a great example of this. You can download an AAC application for communication (e.g., Touch Chat, Proloquo2Go) onto these non-dedicated devices, but also use them for other functions.

How Our Therapists Implement AAC

Our therapists take several steps to get your child started with using AAC. We begin with an evaluation, where we take a look at your child's current speech and language abilities and set up an individualized treatment plan. Afterwards, we will work with your child as well as their caregivers to determine the which type of AAC is the best fit for your child and accessible to all individuals that interact with them.

What to Expect from a Speech and Language Evaluation

What happens during an evaluation for your child who may benefit from AAC?  This is the first question we get from many parents when they visit us. At South Shore Therapies, we strive to make our evaluations, consultations, and treatment as streamlined and individualized as possible. During your child's evaluation and treatment, you can expect all of the following:

• A focus on determining your child's current level of speech and language functions
• Friendly, compassionate team members
• Discussion regarding the most appropriate technology to trial within the child's sessions
• Support for both the child and parents
• Collaboration with other healthcare professionals as appropriate

Who Can Benefit from Using an AAC Device?

AAC therapy activities are beneficial for lots of children coming from a variety of backgrounds. At South Shore Therapies, we often recommend this type of treatment for clients with:

• Developmental delays
• Articulation and Phonological Disorders
• Apraxia of Speech
• Autism
• Intellectual disabilities
• Cerebral palsy
• Brain injuries
• Various syndromes or genetic disorders

Contact Us to Begin an Evaluation

AAC therapy comes with a world of benefits to children. Not only will you be able to better communicate with your little one, but they also may see an increase in their confidence and quality of life. Get in touch with us to start the evaluation process at one of our locations in the Hingham, Pembroke and Norwood area.