AAC — Insights — Communicate & Connect

Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is an evidence based strategy for teaching the AAC user about their system and how to use it! ALS provides a visual model for communication using the AAC system.

Here are some simple steps to get started:

Start with an interaction/activity/routine that is meaningful and sparks joy in your AAC user! Does your child love books? Start during shared book reading! Does your child love tactile play? Start during play with play-doh! Always follow your child’s lead and choose activities that bring them joy, and especially activities they enjoy with YOU!
Provide repeated exposure to words that are meaningful for the child. Know the difference between core (high frequency) vocabulary and fringe vocabulary. For example, if your child loves swinging and is enjoying this activity with you, you could provide ALS and model words like, ‘more,’ ‘push,’ ‘up,’ ‘down,’ ‘stop,’ and ‘swing.’ While you say the word, access it on their device either by touching the corresponding symbol or accessing it via their unique access method.
Don’t expect your child to use the word right away after you provide the modeling through ALS. You can provide the model, then the resulting response to the word! No need to prompt the child to use the word. This is the opportunity to show your child ‘how’ his system can be used, not expect any response from the child.
Provide modeling for different ‘reasons’ for communication. The goal for a new AAC user is to learn to use the system for many reasons! For example, to ask for something they want, to say what they don’t want, to share their opinion, to describe, to ask questions, and so much more!
Use the same program as the child! Whether on their device or an identical device or communication page. And know their system so you know where to find pertinent vocabulary!
Have fun!! Remember to start always by following your child’s lead and interests, then modeling the vocabulary to match these interactions! Making the ALS meaningful is THE MOST important!

Please reach out if you would like more information on this topic!

Warmly,

Alexis

As an AAC (Alternative Augmentative Communication) specialized Speech-Language Pathologist, I am often discussing ‘Access Methods’ with my clients and their families. This is a vital component of any AAC evaluation, ongoing dynamic assessment, and treatment. ‘Access’ in AAC refers to how an individual operates and ‘accesses’ their communication system. The chosen access method should be what is easiest for the specific individual considering their physical, vision, and sensory needs as well as preferences. In this blog post, I will cover some access methods to AAC on high-tech devices such as iPads and dedicated devices. Below are some access methods that I often consider with each client.

-Direct Select: In this method, the individual accesses their high tech device via directly touching the screen to select their message. This can be via a pointed index finger or open hand with the support of a keyguard.

-Eye gaze access: This is typically used on dedicated devices such as Tobii and Prentke Romich devices. In this method, the individual has been deemed to be most proficient in using eye movements over other physical movements. A specialized eye tracker is used to allow the individual to select messages with their eye movements.

-Head Pointing: Similar to eye gaze, specialized equipment must be used. The individual wears a reflective sticker on their forehead which controls the screen. Through small head movements, the individual can select messages on their high tech, dedicated AAC device

-Partner Assisted Scanning using wired switches: In this method, the individual affirms a message via activation of a switch (button) after listening to a list of choices from their high tech AAC system. Switch buttons can be placed in many positions using the individual’s most proficient physical movement. For example, switches can be placed at an individual’s cheek or chin, on a wheelchair tray, near their foot, etc. Scanning through messages on the AAC device can be done via a communication partner OR through automatic scanning. Automatic Scanning is a setting on AAC applications where the computer automatically moves through messages on the system.

-Two-step switch scanning: This access method is similar to partner assisted scanning but enables increased autonomy for the AAC user. With this access method, the AAC user is using two-switches to control their high tech, dynamic display AAC system. They are using one switch to ‘Scan’ through their choices, and another switch to ‘Select’ the message they desire. In this access method, the AAC user requires two switches in places that are easily accessed.

This is not an exhaustive list of access methods and systems but gives some insight into ‘Access methods.’ It is important to keep in mind that finding the right access method often takes trial and error, as well as time. So be patient and explore all options! It is important to take time for practice with different methods to see what the AAC user finds most accessible and comfortable.

Please reach out with any questions regarding access methods in AAC!

Alexis