Cerebral Palsy and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

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Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices include communication boards, tablets, and computers that help disabled children express themselves and connect with others. Some kids living with cerebral palsy have severe speech problems, making it extremely difficult and sometimes even impossible to communicate without AAC.

What Is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is any type of communication aside from oral speech. It can include anything that helps children express themselves.

For instance, hand gestures, pictures, facial expressions, and writing notes or typing emails would all be considered forms of AAC.

There are two types of AAC, including aided AAC and unaided AAC. Unaided AAC is any form of non-oral communication that doesn’t involve technology or equipment (waving, using sign language, making faces, etc)

Aided AAC continues to evolve, and with constantly changing technology, children with disabilities have many more communication options than ever before. Some examples of aided AAC include:

• Communication boards
• Computers
• Tablets (e.g., iPads)
• Speech-generating devices
• Communication books

What Are the Benefits of AAC for Children with Cerebral Palsy?

Communication is essential for children, regardless of disability. For those with cerebral palsy and other conditions that make it difficult to express needs, ideas, and feelings to caregivers and parents, AAC is an invaluable way to bridge the communication gap.

It can also be life-saving. If a child has specific ailments or pains, they must have a way to communicate what hurts to loved ones.

Another benefit of AAC is increased learning, which helps children with disabilities stay on the same level educationally or at least as close as possible to their peers.

If children cannot communicate effectively, they will be unable to ask questions if they don’t understand an assignment or what is being taught.

For children with physical disabilities that limit mobility, communication boards and other devices can be mounted to wheelchairs to provide a way to communicate while on the go. The devices can also be installed in a way that reaches eye level perfectly for each child.

Is Your Child a Good Candidate For AAC?

Before deciding on AAC and determining which type is best for your child, a pediatrician will generally recommend working with a speech and language therapist and an assistive technology (AT) specialist. These professionals can evaluate the child and identify problem areas, as well as determine the type of AAC that will be most beneficial.

Some children may work better with tablets, while others learn faster with communication boards. Some children need to incorporate a series of both aided and unaided AAC into their lives.

Generally, AT professionals and speech/language therapists will look for the following things when assessing a child:

• The child’s cognitive disabilities
• The child’s physical disabilities
• If the child shows motivation and interest in AAC
• If the child shows a keen interest in a particular way of learning

These are just a few of the factors that may be considered when determining if AAC will work for your child; other factors will also be taken into account.

What Does the Research Say About AAC?

A study on AAC reviewed the following key findings after a high school student with cerebral palsy began using AAC:[1]

• The student was more intelligible.
• The student’s relationships with peers became more enjoyable.
• The school staff became more comfortable teaching the student.
• The student’s socialization increased.

In another study conducted by AssistiveWare and professors from the University of San Diego and California State University, San Marcos, researchers examined Apple products (smartphones and tablets) and their benefits related to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). These are some of the key findings:[2]

• Up to 80% of AAC users and their families surveyed reported improved independence, behavior, and overall well-being.
• Apple’s iOS devices’ AAC apps benefit all ages, ranging from children in the intervention stages of communication to senior citizens.
• Apple iOS devices have been so successful with AAC that the availability of this technology seems to be accelerating quickly.
• Many people may not be using the full range of functions that tablet apps can provide; further studies are needed to see the true scope of capabilities.

Of course, Apple products are just one of the many types of AAC devices that provide communication apps. Alternatives are available, some of which are provided at no charge to children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities that limit communication. Consult with a speech therapist or pediatrician to determine if your child is eligible.

The Future of Communication and Cerebral Palsy

Many children with cerebral palsy benefit from AAC, whether through communication boards and tablets or non-aided AAC, such as sign language and using distinct facial expressions.[3]

As technology progresses and even more options open up, the future for children with cerebral palsy has never looked brighter.