Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Ways to stay in touch with each other
How communication works - with and without supportive aids.
Communication is a fundamental part of our lives together and enables us to exchange feelings, needs and thoughts. However, communication can be a particular challenge for children with disabilities. However, there are many ways and aids to facilitate communication and build a loving connection.
Different forms of communication
- Verbal communication:If the child can speak, communication through words is the most natural form. However, for some children with disabilities, language development is limited or not possible.
- Non-verbal communication:Here, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact or body posture are used to convey messages. For example, a smile can express happiness, while a shake of the head signals rejection.
- Picture and symbol communication:Pictures, symbols or pictograms help children to express their wishes and needs. This method is particularly suitable for children who have no or only limited verbal skills.
- Sign language: Sign language is a visual language that communicates using hand signals. It can be a valuable aid to improve communication.
Assistive devices for communication
The right choice and use of aids can make communication much easier and strengthen the child's independence and ability to express themselves. Here are some aids in detail:
- Communication boards and books
These are usually made of sturdy material and contain pictures, symbols or words that the child can choose to express their needs or wishes. They are available in different versions, e.g. as simple cards or as comprehensive books. They are particularly suitable for children who have no or only limited verbal skills.
Advantages:
Visual support facilitates understanding
Easy to use
Can be customized, e.g. with the child's favourite motifs - Electronic communication aids (e-tools)
These are digital devices, usually tablets or special communication devices, which are equipped with apps or programs to support communication. The child can formulate their messages by tapping on symbols, images or text.
Advantages:
Versatile and adaptable to the child's needs
Enable complex utterances and longer sentences
Often offer additional functions such as voice output, animations or personalized symbols - Pictograms and visual support (e.g. PECS)
ThePicture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a proven system in which the child exchanges pictures or symbols to convey a message. It is often used in the form of cards or small boards.
Advantages:
Promotes independence in communicating
Supports the acquisition of language skills
Easy to use in different environments - Sign language apps and videos
Digital media that explain signs visually can make it easier to learn sign language. They are particularly helpful if the child already knows signs or wants to learn them.
Advantages:
Flexible and accessible at any time
Supports learning through visual demonstrations
Can be used in combination with other aids - Augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC)
These are special technical devices that supplement or replace communication. They are often individually programmed and tailored to the child's needs.
Advantages:
Enable independent communication even with severe impairment
Can be equipped with speech synthesis to produce spoken language
Support social integration and self-confidence
Conclusion
Every form of communication is unique and should be individually tailored to the child. Patience, empathy and the use of suitable aids are crucial to enable successful communication. This enables children with disabilities to explore their world better and feel understood - an important step towards greater self-determination and quality of life.
The choice of suitable aids depends on the child's individual stage of development, abilities and preferences. Close cooperation with therapists, speech therapists and parents is important in order to find the best solutions and provide the best possible support for the child.
Tips from the community:
Multimodal
Our son does not use spoken language, but he does speak. Initially with photos: Bottle, cookie, favorite toy. Later with Metacom symbols. This didn't come naturally, it was a lot of pretending, showing and demonstrating. Now we also use a talker. It works really well, especially with things he loves: when he stands at his mud kitchen, he proudly presses "water in", "foam", "earth". He helps shape things. He is understood. We also sign focus words Milan doesn't sign himself, but he understands what is meant much better through the signs. For example, he shows "again" by taking my hand. Our communication is multimodal: symbols, talkers, gestures, looks, bodies. And that's exactly what makes it so lively. I deliberately sought out a speech therapist who is familiar with UK for this approach - I drive 45 minutes every week for this. Because for us, communication is not "later". It is now.