An Overview of Augmentative Communication
A Review of Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism
May 10, 2009
Individuals with autism often have difficulty communicating with others. This leads to high levels of frustration, often resulting in major meltdowns. The use of augmentative and alternative communication, known as AAC, can help people with autism express their thoughts and desires. Joanne M. Cafiero, Ph.D., explains this technology in her book Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism: An Introduction to Augmentative & Alternative Communication [Woodbine House, 2005].
What is Augmentative & Alternative Communication?
Dr. Cafiero defines AAC as “a type of assistive technology. It is any tool, device, picture, word, symbol, or gesture that compensates for expressive and receptive communication deficits.” (p.4) It is a way for people with limited language skills to better communicate with others in their world.
Types of AAC
The two major types of AAC are unaided and aided. Unaided systems require only the use of the person’s body and may include sign language, gestures, and vocalizations.
Aided systems require the use of something external to the person’s body. These include objects, pictures, words, or other symbols. Some of these are used in conjunction with a voice output communication aid, or VOCA.
Within aided systems are three subcategories. “No-tech” aids do not require use of batteries or electric circuitry, such as communication boards. “Low-tech” aids, such as VOCAs, are technology with limited ability to record and playback speech. “High-tech” devices may resemble small computers, where the individual can type the speech to be generated.
In Meaningful Exchanges, Dr. Cafiero focuses on aided systems, detailing these various forms of AAC with descriptions and illustrations. She describes the benefits through case studies of autistic individuals using AAC with their communication partners. She also discusses the pros and cons of the various devices.
Who Benefits from AAC?
AAC can be used by individuals of all ages. It aids people at every point along the autism spectrum. It is specially designed for each person’s needs, no matter the cognitive, behavioral, or language abilities. Parents, educators, and therapists benefit from being able to communicate with the autistic individual.
Dr. Cafiero provides tips to maximize the benefits gained by use of AAC. She also provides a “troubleshooting” guide for any problems encountered by the communication partners.
How AAC is Helpful to Autistic Individuals
People with autism are often visual learners, and AAC uses visual cues to help them communicate. These cues are static, meaning they don’t change. Change is difficult for autistic individuals to handle. The simplicity of design requires less planning and memory, thus leading to less anxiety.
AAC is inanimate. People with autism tend to fixate on inanimate objects, as they are predictable. It is also easier to communicate with inanimate objects. AAC then becomes a “middle-man” for communicating with other people. It leads to greater independence.
Legal Considerations with AAC
Dr. Cafiero takes time to explain relevant laws regarding accommodations for individuals with special needs. In layman’s terms she describes Sections 504 and 508, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and how they affect parents and caregivers. She gives tips on seeking evaluations and appropriate AAC services.
Further Reading about AAC
Dr. Cafiero provides an extensive list of references used in her writing. She also includes contact information for resources and various organizations involved with AAC.
Augmentive and alternative communication devices for autistic individuals are designed to enhance communication for someone otherwise limited in language skills. The variety of systems available allow for individual needs to be met at any point on the autistic spectrum and at any age. Dr. Cafiero's book defines the various devices available and explains how to use them effectively.
Resources:
Cafiero, Joanne M., Ph.D. Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism: An Introduction to Augmentative & Alternative Communication. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House, 2005.
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