Understanding AAC: Supporting Communication for Students with Autism

Sharing a thought. Asking for help. Telling a friend something funny. Saying “no” or “I need a break.”

These everyday interactions give us a way to connect with others and have a say in our own lives. For many students with autism, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, helps make those interactions possible.

October is AAC Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn about different ways of communicating and celebrate the importance of making sure everyone has the tools and support to express themselves.

What Is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication includes tools and methods that supplement or take the place of spoken communication. “Augmentative” means adding to speech, while “alternative” means using another way to communicate.

AAC can take many forms, including:

• Gestures and manual signs

• Picture boards or communication books

• Writing or pointing to letters

• Apps and speech-generating devices that speak a message selected by the user
  

AAC does not always involve technology. Some people use a picture board, while others use a dedicated device or an app on a tablet. Many use a combination of methods depending on the situation.

How AAC Helps Students with Autism

Every student with autism has different communication needs. Some use spoken language, some use little or no speech, and others benefit from additional ways to communicate when speech is difficult or does not fully meet their needs.

AAC can help students express thoughts, feelings, preferences, and ideas. The appropriate approach depends on the individual, with a speech-language pathologist helping identify tools and strategies that fit their needs.

In a school day, that might look like a student using a device to answer a question, choosing a picture to request a favorite activity, or using a communication board to tell someone how they feel.

Consider the difference between a teacher guessing that a student needs a break and the student being able to ask for one.

Communication Is About More Than Making Requests

Asking for food, water, or help is great. But students also need opportunities to share opinions, ask questions, make friends, disagree, and show their personalities.

AAC can support these broader purposes of communication, including social connection and participation.

A student might want to say that a song is their favorite, tell a classmate something is funny, or explain that they would rather do something else. Thinking about AAC this way helps us focus on the whole person: their interests, relationships, ideas, and right to make choices.

Does AAC Prevent a Child from Speaking?

A common concern is that using AAC will discourage a child from developing spoken language. Research does not support that concern. AAC does not hinder speech development and can support spoken language growth for some children. Individual outcomes vary.

There is also no need to wait until a child reaches a certain age before exploring AAC. Early access can support communication and language development. Families with questions can speak with a speech-language pathologist about their child’s needs.

Whether a student communicates through speech, AAC, or both, the goal is meaningful communication.

How We Can Be Supportive Communication Partners

Access to an AAC system is one part of the picture. The people around the student also play an important role.

Helpful practices include allowing time for a response, recognizing different forms of communication, and creating opportunities to communicate throughout everyday activities. Communication partners can also model the use of an AAC system while speaking, with guidance from the student’s speech-language pathologist.

A conversation should leave room for the student’s own message. That means listening to their preferences, respecting a refusal, and making space for more than an expected answer.

Celebrating Every Way of Communicating

At Connections, we celebrate our students as individuals with their own thoughts, interests, and personalities. AAC Awareness Month reminds us to look beyond spoken words and recognize the many ways people communicate.