Those who have interacted with patients with aphasia are aware that there are different types of aphasia. Some patients have significant difficulty with understanding others’ language, some experience difficulty with expressing themselves with words, while others experience trouble with both understanding and producing language. In some instances, the words do not come out, in other instances the words do not come out quickly, or the wrong words are spoken. As anyone that has been misunderstood will tell you this can be tremendously frustrating for the speaker and the listener. AAC can serve as an excellent method of communication for those that have trouble with verbalization.
Augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) helps patients for which verbalization is not an efficient and reliable form of communication. AAC, in its many forms, ranges from low technology to high technology. Presentation of the AAC may be static (the images do not change) or dynamic (images can change). In its simplest form, low technology AAC may involve a sheet of paper that includes all essential daily functions or activities of daily life, e.g., communication related to toileting needs, hunger, pain, or thirst–the patient can point to the desired item(s). High technology AAC often includes an electronic device that contains many icons or images as well as some options for communicating non-essential though important information, e.g., commenting on the weather. Many high technology options allow for use of eye gaze, a pointing device, or the use of limbs other than the hands to select the desired icon(s).
Although AAC may be implemented with many who have communication disorders, patient-specific exploration of AAC is critical for some patients with aphasia. Low technology AAC is typically the chosen method for those who have just experienced an abrupt change in their method or form of communication. Some patients with aphasia may benefit from low technology AAC for the short term while others may later need a high technology solution for expressing themselves with more precision. SLPs roles encompass identification and incorporation of a clear and reliable communication system to help meet any patient’s needs–this includes AAC.
If you or someone you know needs the services of a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, please be sure to discuss your concerns with a physician, a speech-language pathologist, or another qualified provider. You can also find a provider through the ASHA ProFind service or visit us at www.bilingualspeech.org for more information.
