Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) is used to help people who have difficulties with communication. It is for anyone who has a current form of communication that is not meeting his or her needs.
The specific purpose of an Augmentative Communication assessment is to determine an effective communication system for a child. A team consisting of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and an Occupational Therapist (OT) completes the evaluation. During this session the SLP observes the following:
- Oral motor skills
- Speech production skills
- Language reception and expression
- Literacy skills
The OT observes:
- Interactive environment
- Positioning and mobility
- Fine motor skills
- Visual-motor skills
- Activities of daily living.
Assessment, follow-up, and treatment sessions -- in addition to evaluation -- are available to assist with assessing communication devices and creating language goals specific to augmentative communication.