AAC Apps & Speech Devices for Autism, Apraxia, & More
Are you researching speech devices for autism, language delay, or childhood apraxia of speech (CAS)? Speech-language pathologists may recommend AAC – including speech devices- to support speech and language development and overall communication for many individuals. AAC systems can play a crucial role in speech and language acquisition and can be a powerful tool for people of all ages who benefit from multimodal forms of communication. Communication boards and other low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech devices can all play a vital role in daily life to support effective communication. Effective augmentative or alternative means of communication allow for greater independence. It helps meet the specific communication needs of individuals. Read about the different types of aac devices and tools that can help support unique needs during daily routines.
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What Is AAC?
There are many ways to communicate beyond speaking!
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication.
Augmentative communication means to ‘add to someone’s speech’.
It is an additional support. This could mean adding sign language or pictures to help support your message.
Alternative methods of communication may be used in place of speech. This could include a device.
Both methods may be used simultaneously by individuals.
Reference:
www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/#:~:text=AAC%20means%20all%20of%20the,be%20used%20instead%20of%20speech. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
Will Using a Speech Device Delay Speech or Language Skills?
Some parents fear using aac devices will discourage spoken language development.
Rest assured, the research is very clear on this.
Using AAC does not, in any way, inhibit spoken language development.
In fact, using aac may even support verbal speech in a few cases.
AAC is an excellent tool to help support communication development. It can include no tech, low tech, mid tech, and even high-tech options.
References:
Abigail DeCook, MS. “Setting the Record Straight on AAC and Speech.” The Informed SLP, 28 June 2024, www.theinformedslp.com/review/setting-the-record-straight-on-aac-and-speech. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Who Benefits From Using AAC?
Many individuals can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication.
Both children and adults may find the use of aac beneficial in their daily lives.
And it’s important to remember that AAC doesn’t just have to be reserved for nonverbal individuals or children.
It can be used to support multimodal communication.
AAC can also help increase the mean length of utterance in speech therapy.
The Different Types of AAC
There are many different types of augmentative and alternative communication.
There are no-tech, low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech options, and each can be a valuable tool to support individual needs.
Unaided AAC
Methods of communication that do not require additional devices or tools are considered ‘unaided‘.
In other words, unaided AAC involves NO TECH.
Here are some examples of unaided methods of communication:
- gestures
- sign language
- facial expressions
- body language, such as your posture indicating you are bored
- head movements, such as shaking your head ‘no’
References:
www.asha.org/njc/aac/#:~:text=AAC%20can%20involve%20unaided%20communication,disabilities%20and%20their%20communication%20partners. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
Aided AAC
Aided means of communication involve additional support.
It involves using low-tech, mid-tech, or high tech options.
Are There Any Prerequisites To Using AAC?
In other words, should we start with just a few symbols and “work our way up” to a more robust vocabulary system?
The answer is no- there are no prerequisites to using AAC or an aac communication device.
Speech-language pathologists encourage the message that we presume competence.
References:
Amanda Hartmann Speech-Language Pathologist. “Presuming Competence.” AssistiveWare, www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/presume-competence. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
www.asha.org/njc/aac/#:~:text=AAC%20can%20involve%20unaided%20communication,disabilities%20and%20their%20communication%20partners. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Low-Tech Options
Low-tech aac devices and tools can include visual supports, pictures, objects, communication books, or a communication board.
Here is an example of a low-tech option, AAC On My Desk.
This low-tech option provides quick and easy access to fringe and core vocabulary.
The best part is that it can be placed on a student’s desk and used with any activity.
This resource provides customization options for ease of use.
It is beneficial for educational settings and can be used for many daily activities at school.
Fringe vocabulary strips can be switched out depending on the activity.
A speech pathologist might use this during therapy sessions, but classroom and special education teachers and paras will find it helpful as well.
Michelle R. reviewed, “This idea is perfect for quick access AAC! I love that you can tape it onto the top of desks/tables making it easy for teachers and paras to access when student materials are out on table and in use.”
Mid-Tech AAC Options
Mid-tech communication devices are battery-powered and allow for pre-recorded messages.
Typically, mid-tech devices include a limited number of message options.
They are a static display.
They are simpler than high-tech speech generating devices.
Although they are not as useful for novel communication due to the limited number of message options, they can be beneficial for structured communication activities.
Mid-tech communication devices might include pre-recorded greetings, and they could have programmed messages for specific classroom routines.
For example, a mid-tech device might be used to:
- allow a student to describe the weather during story time
- help a student gain attention when he or she needs help
- allow a student to participate in a literacy activity
Here are some examples of mid-tech AAC options:
1. Big Mack Switch by AbleNet
2. GoTalk
5. FeatherTouch
High-Tech AAC Options
When people hear “AAC”, high-tech speech-generating devices come to mind.
High-tech aac devices can store thousands of messages, have a customizable layout, and word prediction.
They also provide the user with the option of typing out a message.
Therefore, they allow for complex communication as novel utterances can be produced.
New words can easily be accessed and stored.
These options may include a speech tablet with a specialized app for communication, an SGD (speech generating device), and a computer with communication systems software.
Speech Device Apps for Tablets
Here are some common communication apps that may be used on a tablet.
Speech therapists may find that one AAC app is more beneficial than another for a student; it can be helpful to trial multiple options.
Make sure to find a durable case to use with a speech tablet.
Here is one example that includes a keyguard.
This is not an exhaustive list. Please feel free to leave a comment on this article if you know of more great AAC communication app options!
- Lamp Words for Life
- Proloquo2go
- TD Snap
- TouchChat
- GoTalk
- Grid
- Twinkl Symbols AAC System
- Cough Drop app
- Weave Chat AAC app
- Click AAC
- SymboTalk AAC
- SoundingBoard App
Speech-Generating Devices
There are benefits to using a dedicated speech-generating device.
They are more durable and may have alternative access methods built-in, such as eye gaze.
Some may be covered by insurance, and specialized software and customer support may also be offered.
SGDs can be crucial for speech and language development.
Speech Devices for Autism, CAS, and More
Here are some companies that sell communication devices:
- Prentke Romich Company (PRC) devices
- Tobii Dynavox devices
- Saltillo devices
- AbleNet QuickTalker (for use with any speech app)
Common Features of High-tech SGDs
Here are some common features that high-tech dedicated speech-generating devices may offer.
- Dynamic Display Screens allow multiple pages of vocabulary to be stored.
- Multiple access methods, such as touch screens, eye gaze, head tracking, and switch scanning. Some individuals cannot access AAC by touching it, making multiple access methods important. Occupational therapists can evaluate fine motor skills.
- Customizable vocabulary, which allows speech language therapists, teachers, parents, or users to modify, organize, and add vocabulary
- Multiple languages can be offered (English, Spanish, etc.)
- Users can store and quickly access frequently used messages.
- Many high-tech SGDs can interact with Bluetooth and integrate with other technology.
- Software updates and cloud backup are also available with many SGDs.
- Speech volume can be increased or decreased.
- SGDs are durable, making them less likely to break if dropped.
Can I Only Use One Form of AAC?
You can use multiple forms of AAC!
Many of us do this without thinking about it.
Think of social interactions- you might wave to say hello. This is a form of AAC.
Some users may pair spoken utterances or speech with various forms of AAC throughout the day.
In fact, for my users with a high-tech SGD device, I often print and laminate backup copies of their main display screen (typically a core board).
Because let’s face it- sometimes the devices haven’t always been charged, and occasionally, technology doesn’t work.
That’s why low-tech back-ups are important.
Make AAC Available At All Times
It is important to ensure that individuals have access to AAC at all times.
Everyone deserves the right to communicate.
And that means back-up methods and duplicates of core boards can be placed all over!
Straps
Straps can be used to help a child carry an SGD around.
This is especially important at school when switching classes.
Paper Copies
Paper copies of the communication board should be available for a back-up, too.
SLPS, physical therapists, occupational therapists, teachers, and other professionals can make sure to have back-up copies too.
I laminate a smaller version of the core board and attach it to my lanyard.
Then, I can use it on the go.
This way we’re modeling language in the hallway, in line for the restroom, and everywhere we need!
Aprons
Want another great idea?
Here’s one I’m obsessed with.
Staff members or parents can wear aprons with core vocabulary boards- check out this option.
Please note, this image is not my own and has been shared with permission.
Large Boards for the Classroom
Some schools print large core vocabulary boards which can be placed in the classroom.
This can allow for easier language modeling during story time and other whole-class activities.
Magnetic Boards
Make your own magnetic communication board using these magnetic squares.
Hang them up on your fridge!
It’s one more simple way to provide AAC access at all times.
Core Board Tote Bags
I love the idea of putting a core board on a tote bag.
Carry it around with you for easy AAC access on the go.
Several options are available on Etsy.
Search “core vocabulary tote bag’.
Recess Core Boards
Perhaps you have heard of a school district placing a playground communication board.
These are large, sturdy boards that can allow children to communicate with each other while playing outside.
Children can point to or touch images on the board to communicate with peers or adults.
Core Vocabulary and AAC
We can’t discuss speech devices and AAC without mentioning core vocabulary!
AAC systems should include access to core vocabulary (and fringe vocabulary as well).
Core vocabulary includes the most frequently used words in conversation.
This typically includes adjectives, prepositions, verbs, and pronouns.
An example of a core vocabulary word is ‘go’.
Core Vocabulary Ideas for Parents
These handouts provide easy ideas for modeling core vocabulary at home.
Tiffany B., SLP, reviewed, “My SLP colleague and I implemented a core word of the month program at our preschool and have been using these handouts to communicate with parents with the goal of promoting carryover to the home environment. Parents have provided positive feedback about the suggestions in the handouts!”
Parents, teachers, and SLPs can model core vocabulary words to children throughout the day and in different environments and situations.
You could use the word ‘go’ when you ‘go’ to school, play with a toy car, get pushed on a swing (ready, set….go!), or when you ‘go’ to the restroom.
Get Started with Core Vocabulary
Exposure to core vocabulary is important for language development.
Here’s how to get started with core vocabulary.
Child-Specific Motivating Words
Yes, core words are important.
But we also need to remember to build a functional vocabulary.
That’s why it’s also very important to consider motivating child-specific fringe words.
This can include highly motivating nouns that will help meet a child’s specific needs.
These words could include the child’s name, family members, friends, pets, favorite foods, favorite places, etc.
AAC Is More Than Just Requesting
One more important consideration.
AAC should not simply be about requesting objects.
Consider all of the communication functions: requesting, describing, protesting, labeling, commenting, asking questions, answering questions, and directing attention.
AAC Speech Devices: Finding the Best Fit
There are so many important factors to consider when selecting a speech device.
The most suitable aac device will need to check many boxes.
First, this is a team decision.
It must involve the AAC user and parents or family members.
It is incredibly important that family members are on board and a part of the process.
Other team members may include a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, and a special education teacher.
Some additional factors to be considered could include:
- sensory needs, such as visual or auditory preferences
- motor skills
- the variety of communication modalities the specific device offers (picture symbols, text-to-speech, etc.)
- ease of use
- customization options
- how portable is the device?
- is the device durable?
- alternative access methods available (eye gaze technology, switch access, scanning)
- language systems offered
- vocabulary options
- can this device adapt to future needs?
- is ongoing support provided?
- does this system allow for motor planning if desired?
- is the language categorically based if desired?
Please note, this is not an exhaustive list. There are several factors to consider when selecting speech devices for autism, speech sound disorders, and other communication needs.
Use of AAC Devices at School
AAC can be used to support communication at school.
First, as discussed earlier, it is important to ensure that a student has access to AAC at all times.
Adults can model core vocabulary at all times.
This can include story time, centers, lunch, and more.
In this article, I provided tips for teachers to incorporate AAC in the classroom.
AAC can also support literacy instruction and development.
In addition, AAC can be used to support more advanced linguistic communicators in the classroom.
To learn more about this, check out the book ‘Practically Speaking” by Gloria Soto and Carole Zangari.
