Introduction
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are primarily designed to support individuals with communication difficulties, helping them express needs, wants, and ideas. However, one aspect that remains underexplored is the potential of AAC to foster emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence—the ability to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others—is crucial for personal well-being and social success. For children who rely on AAC, developing EI can be challenging, but integrating emotional literacy into AAC tools offers exciting possibilities.
The Overlooked Connection Between AAC and Emotional Intelligence
AAC tools typically focus on basic communication and vocabulary building, but they can also play a significant role in emotional expression. Many AAC users struggle to identify and label their own emotions, which can lead to frustration, anxiety, and social withdrawal. By incorporating emotion-focused vocabulary and symbols into AAC systems, we can give children the tools to understand and share their feelings.
For instance, adding pictograms representing emotions such as “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” and “confused” enables users to name their feelings accurately. More advanced AAC systems can include symbols that express more nuanced emotions like “disappointed,” “proud,” or “worried.” Regular practice with these symbols can help children develop a richer emotional vocabulary, making it easier to process and communicate their emotions.
Practical Applications in the Classroom and Therapy
1/ Emotion Check-Ins
Begin the school day with an emotion check-in, where students use their AAC devices to indicate how they are feeling. Teachers can display a visual board with emotion symbols, prompting students to choose the one that best matches their mood. This simple routine fosters emotional awareness and helps educators gauge the emotional climate of the classroom.
2/ Storytelling with Emotions
Reading and storytelling are perfect opportunities to explore emotions. Choose stories where characters face various challenges and emotions, and prompt students to use their AAC tools to identify how the characters might feel. For example, when reading Alice in Wonderland, ask, “How do you think Alice felt when she was lost?” and let students select from emotions like “scared” or “curious.”
3/ Role-Playing Scenarios
Use role-playing games where students practice expressing different emotions using AAC. For example, create a scenario where someone’s toy breaks, and discuss possible feelings: sadness, anger, or disappointment. Let students practice choosing and expressing the appropriate emotions on their devices.
Benefits for Children with Complex Communication Needs
Integrating emotional literacy into AAC systems offers multiple benefits, including:
- Enhanced Self-Regulation: When children can label their emotions accurately, they are better equipped to regulate them.
- Reduced Behavioural Issues: Many behavioural challenges stem from frustration due to unexpressed feelings. Allowing children to communicate emotions reduces the likelihood of emotional outbursts.
- Improved Social Skills: Understanding their own emotions helps children empathise with others, leading to healthier social interactions.
- Greater Emotional Resilience: Children who can recognise and communicate their feelings are better able to cope with challenges and setbacks.
Case Studies and Best Practices
One school in Italy integrated emotion-focused AAC training into daily routines. Teachers reported that students became more comfortable discussing their feelings and that peer interactions improved significantly.
A therapist in the UK used emotion wheels in combination with AAC, allowing children to visually match their feelings to corresponding symbols. This approach increased self-awareness and encouraged emotional expression.
Challenges and Considerations
While the integration of emotional vocabulary into AAC is promising, it also presents challenges:
- Personalisation: Emotions are complex and vary by individual experience and cultural background. Customising emotion sets to reflect each child’s needs is essential.
- Consistency: Teachers and therapists need to consistently use emotion-focused AAC vocabulary to reinforce understanding.
- Training for Educators and Families: Ensuring that those working with AAC users understand how to model and encourage emotional expression is crucial for success.
Conclusion
AAC is not just about giving a voice to words; it is about enabling self-expression in all its forms. By fostering emotional intelligence through AAC, we empower children to better understand their own feelings and connect with others. This holistic approach not only enhances communication skills but also promotes well-being and social integration.
Exploring the intersection of AAC and emotional literacy could significantly transform how we think about communication support, making it not just a tool for speaking but a bridge to understanding and empathy.
