INTRODUCTION
Communication comes in many forms: verbal (speech or language); nonverbal (body language, facial expressions, eye contact and hand gestures); written (anything in writing, like cards, emails, texts and social media posts); visual (images, symbols, graphs and charts); listening (actively receiving and interpreting messages from others and hearing).
Most people use more than one form of communication. For example, you may raise your hand to let an instructor know you are present for class. But you may use email or a messenger on your laptop to ask your teacher a question. People often use multiple forms at the same time. For example, a friend can use their speech to say “hello” and you can use your hand to wave back. Both forms work.
This guide focuses on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, which includes all forms of communication a person uses other than verbal communication. AAC is more common and acceptable than ever. Anyone using their mobile phone to text, post on social media, order food or rides, and pay at checkout is using it as an AAC device.
But here, we will explore the use of AAC if communicating parts of your life has become difficult for any reason, your use of speech is limited, or you are just curious if it is right for you. This covers everything you need to know to consider a well thought-out AAC system, customized for your specific needs.
Facts About AAC
The United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC), the country’s chapter of the international oversight and advocacy organization (ISAAC), reports that AAC improves outcomes for autistic adults in all areas of life, from social connections to employment. This holds true even for adults who adopted AAC after using speech in childhood. No matter your age or prior communication strengths or preferences, you can successfully learn and use AAC now.
Additionally, it is important to know:
- A user does not need to be a certain age, have specific cognitive skills, or show "readiness."
- AAC is used by both non-speaking and speaking people.
- AAC is used for all communication needs; it is not just for wants and needs.
- AAC works best when families, caregivers, friends and other communication partners also understand and model the system.
- Funding and/or insurance can cover costs. While high-tech options are expensive, low-tech options are available.
This guide shares ideas and tips for autistic teens and adults who want to learn more about AAC. We know everyone’s needs are different, and some may not read this guide directly. For that reason it is also designed for families, teachers, and others who support AAC users. We recognize teens and adults with profound autism were more than likely assessed and trained with AAC in early childhood through school or clinical providers. However their parents and caregivers can still make use of the AAC and Transition Planning and Considerations sections of this guide.
Notes on language: This guide uses both identity-first language (for example, “autistic person”) and person-first language (for example, “person with autism”) to honor the varied preferences within the autistic community. Whenever we share personal stories, we always defer to the individual’s language preference.
We use non-speaking to refer to individuals who do not use spoken language to communicate but may use other methods. We use non-verbal only when directed by clinicians, as it implies a complete lack of language, which is often inaccurate.