AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) refers to tools and methods used to help people have a functional means of communication.
These can be low tech such as paper-based resources, signing or high tech such as electronic devices. You may be asked to try a few different methods to see which approach works for your child. This is referred to as a whole approach to communication.
We explore some of the most commonly used AAC below including:
- Makaton
- Core Vocabulary Boards
- Objects of Reference
- Now and Next Boards
Makaton
Makaton is a way of supporting communication by using signs (hand movements), alongside speech. Makaton is used to support children, their families, friends, teachers and carers when a child finds it tricky to understand or express communication through speech.
There are many benefits to using Makaton such as:
- Reduced anxiety and frustration often experienced by a child who can’t express their wants and needs.
- It can individually fit in with each child’s needs, level of ability and lifestyle.
- Makaton helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying.
How to use Makaton
- Choose Makaton signs for situations that are familiar to the child
- Choose things the child is interested in, the things they enjoy
- Remember, just choose a few signs at first. You can add to them once you and the child get used to using them
- Always speak as you sign
- Remember to be face to face and at the same level when signing so the child can see your sign and your face
- Use lots of expression in your face
- Practice and repeat the signs as often as you can
- Be patient; remember that this is a new way of communication, and learning to communicate takes time
- Makaton can be used alongside other forms of communication e.g. symbol charts.
Top Tips
- Make it fun!
- Don’t worry about using Makaton all day, try to set aside 5 minutes each day and choose a fun activity you both enjoy, we call it “5 Minute Magic!”
Golden Rules for Being a Good Communication Partner
- Model – show the child how to use Makaton
- Wait – pause and give the child chance to communicate with you
- Respond – respond to all of the child’s attempts to communicate
Useful websites
Core Vocabulary Boards
What is Core Vocabulary?
Core vocabulary are the words that make up 75-80% of what we say throughout the day. A Core Vocabulary Board (CVB) is a one-page sheet that has different picture symbols for core words to support the child’s communication. This might include words such as help, wait, more, gone, no, yes, like. This is a low tech communication support.
Core Vocabulary Boards can be used alongside picture symbols for specific items that are of high interest to the child. This may include food and drink or their favourite activities.
Who is a CVB for?
A CVB is used to support children and those who work with them, to communicate for different reasons such as making a request or commenting on something that is happening. A CVB works well with children who are showing an awareness of their environment and a desire to communicate with people around them.
Why do we use a CVB?
Some children have difficulties developing spoken language. This may be due to a speech sound disorder or due to social communication differences such as Neurodiversity including ADHD and autism.
Using a CVB can help a child:
- Encourage the child to communicate for different reasons and in different situations
- Reduce frustration and increase confidence
Used alongside speech, it can encourage and support the development of spoken speech and language.
How to use a CVB
Before a child can use a CVB to communicate, they need to see other people using it LOTS of times, just like speech.
We can model using the CVB by:
- Sharing an activity with the child and model using the CVB.
- Wait for the child to respond (this can be verbally or non-verbally).
- Looking at what the child is doing (actions or vocalisations).
- Guessing what the child is trying to tell you.
- Pointing and saying the symbol on the CVB that matches their actions or vocalisations.
- Have the CVB easily accessible so the child can use this to communicate their needs in their own time.
Objects of Reference.
What are objects of reference?
“Objects of reference” (OOR) are a collection of objects and/or photographs that are used to support communication. This may be a towel to indicate bath time, a pair of shoes to indicate outside time or a bag that shows its time for nursery or school.
Who are objects of reference for?
“Objects of reference” can be used to support a child, and everyone around them when a child finds it tricky to understand or express communication through speech. The adult or child can hold the object or photo to request or choose what is happening next.
Why we use objects of reference?
They can help children understand, become familiar and remember the regular routines in their lives.
They can be used alongside other forms of communication e.g., Core boards, Makaton signing, gesture and the spoken word.
How to use objects of reference
Choose objects for situations that are familiar to the child.
Only use a few at first, you can add to them once you and the child get used to using them.
Keep the “objects of reference” in a bag/rucksack/box/pillowcase.
Here are some ideas for you to try.
- Cup = drink
- Spoon = food
- Nappy = nappy change
- Toy Duck = bath
- Teddy Bear = bedtime
- Ball = outside play
IMPORTANT – Only give choices that are available e.g. don’t have the ball available if you can’t go outside to play
Top Tips
- Be patient; remember that this is a new way of communication, and learning to communicate takes time.
- The objects of reference must be available for the child to use everywhere they go, either take them with the child or make duplicate sets for school etc.
- Make sure they are kept in the same place so that the child can reach them and use them to communicate whenever they need toIntroduce the different objects and pictures to the child to help them understand them.Allow the child to explore the object by touching, turning etc.
- You need to be consistent and repeat using the “objects of reference” the same way, this will help the child remember what each object represents.
Now and Next Boards
A now and next board is a way of supporting a child with routines and transitions between activities, using pictures, objects, symbols and/or written words.
Now and next boards can be used to support a child, and everyone around them when the child finds it tricky to follow routine or understand what is happening next.
Using a now and next board
Using either pictures, objects, or symbols, point to the first activity and say “now….”, then point to the second activity and say “next……”
When each activity has finished, remove the picture/objects/symbol, you could put them into a ‘finished’ box
Top Tips
- Use one or two activities at first, and make them short, 1 minute is long enough.
- As the child becomes familiar with the routine add more activities and make them longer.
- Consider making the last activity one of the child’s favourites, e.g., a game of bubbles or a sticker.Use pictures or objects that are relevant to the child and that they can easily recognise, consider using photos if this helps.
- Have fun!