Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Cerebral Palsy

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) should be used to augment or replace communication for individuals with cerebral palsy when the individuals are not able to communicate with all of their familiar and unfamiliar communication partners in all situations. Unaided AAC includes the individual using facial gestures, pointing, and manual signs. Aided AAC includes the individual using photos, drawings, written words, and speechgenerating devices (SGD) to supplement or replace his speech. Within the WHO ICF framework, aided AAC can be considered an environmental factor, typically external to the AAC user. However, the AAC system interacts with the individual’s body structure/function, the desired communication activities, and the participation requirements at home and in the community. AAC can be used with all individuals regardless of their ages or current cognitive skills and should encompass a life span perspective. AAC can support communication understanding as well as expressive communication. To determine the necessary AAC symbols, aids, techniques, and strategies, the speech-language pathologist along with an interdisciplinary AAC team will conduct an AAC evaluation. AAC intervention is necessary and will help the AAC users and their communication partners learn how to use AAC to communicate in daily life. The ultimate goal of AAC and all communication interventions is to ensure that individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) can participate in all life situations.