Augmentative and Alternative Communication Approaches in Children

2004

Ball, L., & Beukelman, D. R. (2003). Augmentative and Alternative Communication Approaches in Children. In (R. Kent (Ed.), The MIT Encyclopedia of Communication Disorders, PP. 110-113. The acquisition of communication skills is a dynamic, bidirectional process of interactions between speaker and listener. Children who are unable to meet their daily needs using their own speech require alternative systems to support their communication interaction efforts (Reichle, Beukelman, and Light, 2001). An augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system is an integrated group of components used by a child to enhance or develop competent communication. It includes any existing natural speech or vocalizations, gestures, formal sign language, and aided communication. “AAC allows individuals to use every mode possible to communicate” (Light and Drager, 1998, p.1).

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