AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Definition - AAC is, foremost, a set of procedures and processes by which an individual's communication skills (i.e., production as well as comprehension) can be maximized for functional and effective communication. It involves supplementing or replacing natural speech and/or writing with aided (e.g., picture communication symbols, line drawings, Blissymbols, and tangible objects) and/or unaided symbols (e.g., manual signs, gestures, and finger spelling). Whereas aided symbols require some type of transmission device, unaided symbols require only the body to produce. Many individuals with severe communication and cognitive impairments can benefit from nonsymbolic forms of AAC such as gestures (reaching for a desired object) and vocalizations that convey different emotions.

Causes

Congenital Causes	Acquired Causes	Degenerative Causes
Cerebral palsy	Stroke	ALS
Autism	Head injury	Muscular dystrophy
Mental retardation	Spinal cord injury	AIDS
Physical disabilities	Cancer	Huntington's disease

Links:
Glossary
ASHA on AAC