Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Daily Clinical Practice: Strategies and Tools for Management of Severe Communication Disorders

Abstract

Research indicates that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) approaches can be used effectively by patients and their caregivers to improve communication skills. This article highlights strategies and tools for re-establishing communication competence by considering the complexity and diversity of communication interactions in an effort to maximize natural speech and language skills via a range of technologies that are implemented across the continuum of care rather than as a last resort.

Keywords:

• aphasia
• apraxia
• augmentative and alternative communication
• communication competence
• comprehensibility
• intelligibility
• motor speech disorders
• speech-generating devices