Alternative and Augmentative Communication and Autism
This page provides links to information about some of the Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) commonly used to help individuals with autism and other disabilities. Those links include definitions, efficacy studies and reviews, other publications, and our evaluations of some of those interventions.
Disclaimer
This page does not provide information about every type of AAC used by people with autism, although we hope you will find it a useful starting point. If you know of any other forms of AAC we should include on this page please email info@researchautism.net.
The fact that an intervention is listed on this page does not necessarily mean that there is any scientifically valid or reliable evidence to support its use.
Our descriptions and evaluations do not constitute a recommendation about whether or not an intervention is suitable for a particular individual with autism. That is a decision for the individual with autism – and/or their carers, clinicians and others – to make.
Please see Autism Treatment Notes for more information about this and similar pages.
What is Alternative and Augmentative Communication ?
Alternative and Augmentative Communication is any form of communication that people use if they are unable or unwilling to use standard forms of communication such as speech.
Alternative communication systems are designed to replace standard means of communication. Augmentative communication systems are designed to complement and sometimes enhance standard means of communication.
AAC systems are sometimes categorised as follows:
- Unaided AAC Describes communication that we all use to augment our spoken language and which do not require an external tool. No tech strategies use only the body as a communication tool and include gesture, facial expression, vocalizations and formal sign systems such as BSL or Makaton.
- Aided AAC systems. Describes communication systems that use an external tool or device, electronic or otherwise. Aided AAC systems are sometimes split into low and high tech systems..
- Low Tech: Describes alternative and augmentative communication strategies which involve the use of equipment that is not electronic.
- High Tech. Describes all electronic communication aids from single message switches to sophisticated, computer based communication systems that have many additional features.
Please note: We have not included other communication systems, such as Functional Communication Training or Visual Schedules, which are systems used by people without autism to help individuals with autism.
All Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Efficacy Reviews | Efficacy Reviews and Studies | All Publications
Unaided Alternative and Augmentative Communication
- Facilitated Communication: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications | Our Evaluation
- Sign Language: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications | Our Evaluation
- American Sign Language: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications
- British Sign Language: Definition | No Efficacy Studies and Reviews identified
- Makaton: Definition | All Publications | No Efficacy Studies and Reviews identified
- Total Communication Training: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications
Low Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Low Tech: Describes alternative and augmentative communication strategies which involve the use of equipment that is not electronic. Low tech communication aids are often paper based and include communication books, charts etc..
- Communication Boards: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications
- Picture Exchange Communication System: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications | Our Evaluation
- PIC: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications
High Tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication
High Tech. Describes all electronic communication aids from single message switches to sophisticated, computer based communication systems that have many additional features.
- Voice Output Communication Aids: Definition | Efficacy Studies and Reviews | All Publications | Our Evaluation
Related Links
Last Updated : 25/05/2012 Back to Top
