Alternative and Augmentative Communication Solutions for Children and Youth with Autism

Why use AAC

• Support communication

• Augmentative/ Alternative

• Receptive language Support e.g., -Routine Strips

- Social Stories

• Expressive Language Support- Words to express choices, ideas, feelings

- Words to replace behaviours

What is the Clinic for Augmentative Communication (CAC)?

• Expanded level AAC clinic accredited by Assistive Device Program (ADP).

• Sees clients with complex clinical and/or technical needs.• Can authorize full range of communication devices

approved by ADP.• Team includes SLP, OT, Technician, Program Assistant,

and Admin Support• Provides assessment, consultation and prescription of

augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems

• Located primarily at Thurston site, with one SLP at Renfrew site

• Service may be provided at other OCTC sites or in homes/schools as required

Types of AAC

There are many different ways to communicate:

• Unaided modes

• Aided modes

• Exchange systems (e.g. PECS)/pointing system (e.g. communication book or VOCA)

• Light tech/low tech/high tech

Unaided Modes

• No external devices is needed to send the message (natural means)

• The child communicates using movements or sounds he can make on his own

• Examples: sign language, vocalizations, pointing, facial expressions, body language

• Cheaper, more portable, always available/accessible, require less set-up/preparation time, may seem more natural, allow for eye contact with partner, may be faster

Aided Modes

• An object or a device is used to communicate the message

• Examples: communication book, theme board,picture exchange, topic board, pen and paper, electronic device, etc.)

• Requires less motor control, are usually understood by a wider range of partners, may make fewer demands on memory

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)vs Pointing System

• PECS provides an essential step in learning to engage in social interactions (e.g. giving a picture of desired item for that item).

• However, a pointing system may be useful if child demonstrates the following:

- communicates directly with a partner- has “more to say”

• Example

Light tech systems

• Light tech: communication boards, books, themeboards, topic/alphabet boards

- cheaper than technology - requires less maintenance (e.g.: cleaning, battery

charging) - more portable/light weight - never breaks down - may be considered less obtrusive (e.g.: users who are

very sensitive about appearing different)

Low tech/high tech devices

• Low/High tech allows for:- greater independence- increased flexibility in communication due to

voice output (e.g.: can get attention, talk to someone at a distance, talk in a group, interrupt and be better able to control conversation, talk to people who can’t see or understand visual symbols etc.)

- user may be viewed as more competent if has technology

Themeboard example (light tech)

Topic Board

What type of AAC system is the most appropriate for an autistic

child?

• It is the same for any other child - There is no one system that is best for all ASD clients

• It is important to determine the child’s: Communication needs Skills and Abilities The child’s communication partners The contexts within which communication occurs

AAC needs

Needs can be related to a number of variables:• Who are the client’s partners? Potential partners?• Where and when does the client need/want to

communicate?• What does the client need or want to

communicate about?• Specific patterns of skill and disability – e.g. ,

Literacy? Motor skill?• Client’s personal preferences

Skills and abilities

How does the individual communicate now?

Why – what reasons are important?

Motor skills – can the individual: - point, gesture, make signs, turn pages of a book.

Cognitive skills: attention, world knowledge, understanding of language, cause and effect, communicative intent, joint attention, categorization

Skills and Abilities

Symbol skills: recognition and use

- what kind of symbols does he/she understand

- how quickly does he/she learn to use a symbol/sign to communicate

- what strategies are effective Sensory skills

- Vision and hearing- Are there specific ways we need to design

symbol layouts to ensure the client can find and select symbols?

Skills and Abilities

Device trial?

- is it motivating to the client?

- is it motivating to the Team?

- high or low tech?

- what are the vocabulary needs?

- can the client navigate a high tech device?

Resources

• Community SLP’s

• Individual Authorizers

• All About AAC

• Referral to the Clinic for Augmentative Communication

How to make a referral to CAC?

• Call OCTC Intake Services at 613-737-0871 ext. 4425 to initiate a referral

• A CAC referral will be sent for you to complete. It must be signed by the parent/guardian.

• Questions or unsure if referral is appropriate? Call CAC program administrator at 613-688-2126 x4319