Insights from a Speech therapist
Testimony
Profession
Speech therapist
Organisation
Centre Trajectoire (Mons)
Action scale of the organisation (European, national, local), if relevant
What does your profession involve?
I help with the implementation and utilisation of AAC for children with ASD or language/development delays.
Are you familiar with AAC methods? Since when?
Yes. For a few years
In which situations do you use AAC methods?
In sessions with my patients who have oral communication difficulties.
Which are the benefits of using AAC methods?
It allows them to communicate their needs, increases vocabulary and comprehension.
In which situation have you seen these benefits?
- New vocabulary words are seen in a book with the support of an aided language display (ALD) (shell, dragonfly). The week after, the child was able to produce those new vocabulary words.
- Reduction of challenging behaviours in a non-verbal child with ASD, because he can express his needs through another channel (AAC on a tablet) (“more”, “done”, “help me”)
Do you think AAC methods are well known in the educational field in your country?
No, they stay under-used and full of stereotypes (especially the AAC tablet). Example of stereotype: AAC prevents the development of oral communication
Do you think that AAC-related practices should be improved? Why?
Yes. AAC would be beneficial for a large number of people who have difficulties with oral communication.
Do you have any resources to share (websites, portals, books…)?
Book: Communication alternative et améliorée (éditions deboeck) (R. Beukelman et P. Mirenda)
Advices to implement AAC methods at school?
It is very important to model AAC tools so that children/students can benefit from them.