Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has been a rapidly evolving area as technology advances and changes. I believe that anyone who could benefit from using AAC should have access to AAC. I will never require anyone to master a skill before they can try AAC out.
AAC comes in a wide variety of forms. It can be as simple as a small flip book with messages that can be shown to another person all the way up to a high-tech device that tracks the eye movements of the user so they can select icons to then generate novel utterances that are spoken aloud in a voice they have chosen on the device.
I have used AAC with children as young as 18 months all the way up to adults who had never been given access to high-tech AAC in the past but have always needed it. I have had children who started with AAC and later developed mouth words. I have helped people who have little to no control of their bodies access AAC through eye-gaze or a switch they hit with their head/hand/leg to formulate their own words for others to hear. I have helped create communication books with icons that a partner helps scan through, core boards for quick communication, and switch systems for quick access to language to answer basic questions. You name it, I’ve either done it or am willing to dive in to learn how to do it.
My help starts with an evaluation so that I can determine how and why communication is already happening, what strengths the person has that may inform what kind of AAC system may be good match, and of course some AAC trials. After that, I will work with you to find the best match for your needs and help you get funding if needed. Therapy beyond that will focus on helping you understand the AAC system, how to use it, and developing language skills that need help just like I would for any other patient.
Room to Talk Speech Therapy 