Speech devices for autism. Today, let’s discuss the many AAC tools and speech-generating devices available for autistic children, adults, and other non-speaking individuals.
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What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a type of assistive technology that supports non-speaking people to communicate with those around them.
AAC supports functional communication, or the ability to communicate needs, wants, and feelings. Those who use AAC may have no spoken language or some. The point of AAC is to enhance communication using an alternative form of communication.
Often people think that accessing an AAC device is more complex than it is. Fortunately, these days AAC can be as easy as downloading various apps onto mobile devices.
Choosing the right AAC system will be based on the individual needs and preferences of the person using the AAC tool.
When Should Speech Devices Be Used?
Many autistic and AAC users recommend introducing AAC to autistic children sooner rather than later.
Unfortunately, insurance companies, school districts, and the powers that be try to limit AAC device use. This forces already stretched parents to jump through hoops to help their children with communication needs.
This is cruel and limits children and their families by creating undue stress, often leading to frustration and challenging behaviors. Further, it isolates children as their social interactions are negatively impacted by withholding AAC.
The adult autistic community and those relying on alternative communication systems are fighting for young children to get access to AAC as soon as possible.
In case you’re wondering, research shows that AAC does NOT impact the communication outcomes and speech skills in autism.
Types of Speech Devices for Autism
There are many types of AAC devices available to anyone struggling with expressive communication. To give you a better idea, let’s review two groups of common AAC tools:
- Unaided AAC
- Aided AAC.
1. Unaided AAC
Unaided AAC does not require a specific tool but instead is based on things like body language. More specifically, unaided AAC can include:
- Sign language
- Facial expressions
- Gestures and body language
2. Aided AAC
Fortunately, there are more and more augmentative communication systems available these days. Some are high-tech and some are not.
Aided AAC uses an outside device to enhance communication skills. These include:
- Speech Generating Devices (SGD)
- Communication Books and Boards
- PODD books (Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display)
- PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
- AAC Apps Downloaded onto Tablets and other devices
Sample Core Board from Assistiveware.com
What is a Speech Generating Device?
Speech-generating devices provide verbal speech output for those who aren’t able to or have trouble speaking.
Some people will use this type of communication as their primary means of communication. On the other hand, some use AAC as a tool during times when cognitive load limits speech production. For example, individuals with selective mutism can benefit from AAC.
A high-tech device speech-generating option can be dynamic or static. However, most all require the use of touch-screen devices or keyboards.
Benefits of Speech-Generating Devices
There are several benefits to using a speech-generating device.
- Gives the user a unique voice,
- Creates agency and autonomy,
- Broad price range,
- Literacy skills,
- Fine motor skills,
- Vocabulary development,
- Spelling,
- Supports Language Acquisition for Gestalt Language Processors
Speech-Generating Device Options for Autism
Here are a few specific speech-generating devices for Autism and other non-speaking individuals to consider.
LAMP
LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) was designed with neuroscience in mind. I couldn’t be more impressed. Here’s why.
Spoken language is an automatic motor skill requiring very little conscious thinking once fluent. This is the idea behind LAMP.
Each word is located in a specific place on the board to create a memory for the unique motor pattern associated with the word.
Using multiple types of sensory input, the idea is that over time, like speaking, the brain automatically knows where each word is located.
The program is robust and supports gestalt language learners (echolalia is your clue), their parents, and Natural Language Acquisition SLPs to add their favorite phrases (gestalts).
However, no AAC device is perfect for everyone. If you or your child struggle with motor coordination and planning, this may not be the one.
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is highly recommended by many AAC users as a great beginner app for kids and parents learning AAC.
It’s an iOS app that can be downloaded onto the iPad and is pretty much open-and-go.
Proloquo2Go AAC App for iOS
Assistiveware is an excellent company that supports and honors the autistic community by providing multiple quality AAC devices, educational resources, and much more.
Check out this quick overview of one of them.
TextSpeak Speech Device for Autism
Another alternative communication device is a keyboard speech device called TextSpeak. It’s a simple system using a keyboard connected to a small speaker.
The user types their thoughts and ideas while a unique voice provides the verbal communication of their message.
The functionality of a keyboard speech device will be dependent on multiple variables including the literacy skills and fine motor skills of the user.
However, I can see this talking keyboard being used when teaching non-speaking kids skills such as phonological awareness, spelling, and reading.
Communication Books
Communication boards or books are a type of AAC device that uses pictures and different symbols.
They’re often labeled with text and are made up of core vocabulary cards that include the majority of commonly-used words.
They can be low-tech and created by printing and laminating cards of symbols and pictures and placing them in a binder. On the other hand, they can be high-tech and used on a digital device.
AssistiveWare has excellent examples of two types of communication books, one low-tech and one high-tech AAC device.
These communication boards have blank spaces where important words specific to the user’s needs are inserted.
Benefits of Communication Books as Speech Devices
The benefits of using a communication book or board to enhance expressive language skills include:
- They’re a low-tech on-ramp to AAC
- Any parent or caregiver can put one together
- There are many free core word boards
Cons of Communication Books and Boards:
- Can be large and difficult for little kids to carry around
- The number of cards and pictures may be too much visual input and cause sensory overload
Speech Devices for Autism and the SLP
Speak with your child’s PRIVATE speech-language pathologist for help trialing different devices if possible.
Fortunately, SLPs can provide an AAC evaluation for people of all ages. As part of this process, they can help you find an AAC device that best fits your specific needs.
When recommended by an SLP, many speech-generating devices should be covered by private insurance companies, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
Speech Devices for Autism: Best Practices
The best way for families of children with communication problems to support their child’s specific needs is to learn to use AAC with them.
Whether you go through a speech pathologist to access electronic communication devices or not, speech therapy could be helpful for both you and your child. Look for a neurodiversity-affirming SLP who will include you in therapy sessions.
Speech-language therapy isn’t just for the client but can be excellent parent training. A neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based therapist will partner with you to help you learn how to use AAC with your child.
Create a Supportive Team for Your Autistic Child
Note, you’re in charge of your child’s support team. This includes:
- your child’s teacher (if you don’t homeschool your autistic child),
- occupational therapist,
- speech therapist,
- and other support team members.
If they’re not interested in your expertise on your child based on a lifetime of personal experience, fire them.
On the other hand, if you’re a classroom teacher, speak with your student’s parents and school speech-language pathologist about possible AAC options.
What’s Natural Language Acquisition?
NLA, Natural Language Acquisition, (Gestalt Language Processing) is a form of language development common in autistic individuals. Common to NLA are repetitive speech patterns such as:
- Echolalia
- repeating the same phrases over and over
- Watching the same segments of preferred TV shows and repeating lines
With the help of the autistic community, astute language experts understand that this is a valid form of language acquisition. If this describes your child, consider looking for a speech-language pathologist with experience in:
- Gestalt Language Processing
- NLA (Natural Language Acquisition)
- Meaningful Speech
For more information, read Gestalt Language Processing: Natural Language Acquisition in Autism.
Who should use AAC?
Any person who requires assistance communicating their needs, wants, and ideas can benefit from an AAC device.
This includes autistic children, those with cerebral palsy, selective mutism, and any developmental delays that impede fluent spoken language.
Additionally, adults and children who’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury can benefit from AAC.Shouldn’t AAC be reserved for only nonverbal children?
AAC, whether through American Sign Language, gestures, word processors, core boards, or super high-tech communication devices should be accessible to anyone who needs the support.
Think of it this way. In the United States alone, 81% of us use text messaging (an AAC tool) to communicate. Why do we do this?
Because it saves time, and cognitive fuel, and is much more convenient. Why would we withhold a speech device that can support someone who truly needs it?
Just because someone struggles with speaking out loud, does not mean they have nothing to say.
Recap: Speech Devices for Autism
Fortunately, there are many AAC and speech devices for autistic individuals and other non-speaking people.
Despite the messages to the contrary, you don’t have to wait at the mercy of the local school district or your insurance company to gain access to AAC.
This is because, as mentioned earlier, the use of AAC doesn’t always include separate tools or electronic devices. You can learn sign language online, or download a reasonably priced app onto a device or an old phone.
If you need more help, join this wonderful Facebook Group led by AAC Users. There, you’ll find support and guidance to find the right form of AAC for you or your loved ones.
Do you use an AAC device? What did I miss?
About the Author:
Lindsay is a trauma-informed educator with a Master’s Degree in Teaching. Her mission is to support moms to equip neurodivergent kids (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Anxiety) to thrive as exactly who they’ve been created to be. Wait until you hear the story that led to it all…
