Augmentative Communication (AC) is the implementation of gestures, sign language, photographs, communication boards with icons, and voice output “talkers” to supplement the child’s communicative attempts. AC is not a replacement for speech as the child is encouraged to produce a speech approximation when using AC. Research shows that the use of AC not only enhances the child’s ability to communicate, but also facilitates the development of functional speech skills.
When to Implement Augmentative Communication:
When there is a “gap” between what the child understands and what she can express intelligibly;
To help the child retrieve a word with a visual cue; this can decrease frustration and encourage the child to persist with her communicative efforts
Schedules: What’s going to happen and in what order;
Aid with weak receptive language and auditory processing;
Provide suggestions for play; support the development of expanded ideation (What’s going to happen next? Where are they going to go?”);