Working with AAC: A Guide for Supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users

This book demystifies the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in speech and language therapy, explaining key terminology and guiding clinicians through the research underpinning successful clinical practice. Spanning a range of clinical groups and all ages, it introduces a holistic framework to support clinicians along the journey from assessment to implementation. Key features include:

• Current research and evidence-based practice broken down into accessible chunks.
• Clear, easy to read explanations of the components of AAC systems and their importance.
• An insight into the challenges faced when supporting AAC users and solutions to overcome these.
• The voices of aided communicators woven throughout, re-telling their experiences and how clinicians can best support them to use AAC.
• Photocopiable clinical resources, including assessment checklists and advice sheets for families and people who use AAC.

Rooted in lived experience, this book suggests practical solutions for supporting a person to have a positive experience of being an aided communicator. It is an invaluable resource for experienced clinicians, speech and language therapists and allied professionals, as well as those new to the world of AAC both now and in years to come.

Helen Robinson is a Speech and Language Therapist and AAC Service Lead for the Barnsley Assistive Technology Team, delivering specialised AAC services for Yorkshire and Humberside. She has presented on AAC at international conferences and written numerous articles for the Communication Matters journal.