One of the challenges of raising a child with autism is learning how to communicate with each other in ways that are productive and resonate for both you and your child. Some parents have trouble understanding what their little one is trying to get across, in their own way.
In fact, it can be heartbreaking for parents and guardians who feel like they can’t connect with their loved ones. Many times, it can be beneficial to help your child communicate by providing new tools and methods. This is called augmentative and alternative communication. It sounds intimidating but simply means all the ways people communicate besides talking.
What is Augmentative & Alternative Communication?
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), augmentative means “to add to someone’s speech.” Alternative means “to be used instead of speech.”
Some people use these methods throughout their life. Others may use them only for a short time, like when they have surgery and can’t talk. Methods can be aided or unaided, meaning using objects/devices or none.
Here are some of the different types of augmentative and alternative communication:
- Hand gestures, nodding, pointing and facial expressions
- Writing & drawing
- Pointing to words and photos or exchanging pictures to communicate
- Using technology, like certain apps, to help communicate
In short, augmentative and alternative communication is all the tools and methods you can use to communicate your thoughts and ideas nonverbally.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices
Devices used to help your child communicate can be simple or very sophisticated. There are many devices out there and what device is best for your child is usually determined by speaking to your child’s therapist or health care partner.
Here are some of the options out there.
- Communication boards: a communication board is usually a tangible grid (made from wood or other materials) with symbols and/or pictures. Your child can point to a symbol, word or photograph to share what they are thinking.
- Communication books: a book with different pages and categories your child can use to select words and symbols to communicate.
- Speech generating devices: varying in complexity, these devices can be used to record messages, your child can then access and play to tell you what they’re thinking, like “I love you,” “goodnight” or “I’m thirsty.”
- Keyboards: keyboards especially made to help your child communicate. A message can be typed on the board and then the device reads the message aloud.
How Parents can Help
It’s important to understand that children with autism may have trouble understanding your attempts at expressing love with words. Sometimes it’s better to show you care for them through actions.
This approach also teaches them how they can express their love for you through actions too. Here are some examples of saying “I love you” without saying “I love you”:
- Physical activities: like going for a hike, playing catch, swinging or gardening together. When you do these things, you are saying “I have fun with you and I value spending time with you.” Exercise will also improve your child’s mood (and yours) and can help create lifelong habits that promote physical health.
- Giving gifts and physical affection: while some children don’t like being touched, it’s important to understand that children with autism need physical touch just like other kids. Don’t force a hug on a child that doesn’t want it, but always be quick to give your child a hug or a pat on the back when it’s needed and wanted. Expressing your feelings by giving a gift you know they’ll love or providing them an experience they’ll enjoy are also things that may resonate.
- Showing attention: staying calm with your child and being open to the different ways they interact with you goes a long way. Acts of service like making them their favorite thing to eat or staying up to read them an extra chapter of that book they love, shows them they matter to you. They learn that you are a reliable and caring person in their life. Staying positive, believing in your child and trying new things is the cornerstone needed to create a loving relationship.
Does Alternative Communication Hinder Speech Development?
Some parents worry that teaching their child alternative ways to communicate will slow down their speech development, but research shows that’s not true. In fact, teaching your child augmentative and alternative communication actually increases language skills by providing a model for speech.
Not teaching children with autism nonverbal ways to communicate has been shown to have negative effects including:
- more social isolation and loneliness
- increased frustration and acting out
- greater vulnerability, especially when alone in a care setting
- feeling shut out of important decisions
- inability to show what they know or can learn
KHG Autism Services is here to help you. Should you have questions about augmentative and alternative communication, like where to start or what method is best for your family, reach out to us. We want your family to succeed and we’re here to help you.
