Types of Augmentative & Alternative Communication

Augmentative and alternative methods of communication are ideal for children or adults with various types of communication or developmental disorders. These alternate methods of communication support a person's efforts to communicate their thoughts and feelings with family members, friends and professional care providers. There are several types of augmentative and alternative communication methods available for those in need.

Recorded Speech Device

• One method of alternative communication is a recorded speech device. With these devices, an individual, such as a parent, sibling or friend, records several messages of their choosing. Using a button or switch, the communication-impaired person activates a message of their choice. A parent, sibling or friend is also able to pre-record everyday messages, such as please read me a bedtime story or I love you so the communication-impaired person can communicate their wants and needs.

Communication Boards and Books

• Communication boards and books are effective for communicating with a non-verbal or impaired individual. Communication boards display a grid and two or more symbols. These symbols generally represent everyday items and activities. A communication-impaired person would then point at different symbols to communicate their feelings or needs. Communication books are somewhat similar to communication boards. The first page contains a range of different categories. A communication-impaired person picks a certain category, turns to the correct page and utilizes the symbols to communicate.

Picture Exchange Communication System

• Picture Exchange Communication System, or PECS, is another form of augmentative and alternative communication typically used for non-verbal autistic children. The use of PECS begins with pictures of everyday items, such as toys and food. When a non-verbal child needs or wants one of the items, the child hands the corresponding picture to their parent, sibling, therapist or other communication partner. The communication partner gives the child the item shown in the picture. As a child grows and learns, words and sentences gradually replace the pictures.

Sign Language

• Sign language is an augmentative and alternative form of communication typically used by the deaf or hard of hearing. Sign language is a form of language that utilizes manual signs, or signs made with the hands, gestures and movements for communication. Some sign systems replicate a spoken language, while other sign systems assign meaning and grammar to each sign. In some cases, sign language is also useful for teaching speech to a hearing child with limited speech.