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Unaided AAC

Unaided AAC refers to strategies that do NOT include outside materials or technology. In unaided AAC, the only thing used to communicate is what is attached to your body. This means that unaided AAC generally includes the use of hand/body gestures, manual signing, or tracking eye gaze to supplement communication (2, 3, 5).

Manual Signing

Teaching a child to manually sign words for “more” or “all done” in place of the spoken word is a form of unaided AAC. The sign is made with the hands and body and is used to convey a specific meaning. 

Eye Gaze Tracking

For individuals with decreased motor movements in their extremities, touch-based AAC may not be an option. Eye-gaze tracking devices record the movement and location of the user's eyes as they navigate around a screen with communicative icons or words.  

Gestures

Gestures, similar to manual signs, are specific hand or body movements used to convey a specific meaning. Gestures are more individualized to the person using them compared to manual signing, which uses signs from formal sign language  systems. 

REFERENCES

  1. Alzrayer, N. M. (2020). Transitioning from a low- to high-tech Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system: Effects on augmented and vocal requesting. AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 36(3), 155–165.

  2. Aydin, O., & Diken, I. H. (2020). Studies Comparing Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC) Applications for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 55(2), 119–141.

  3. Beck, A. R., Stoner, J. B., Bock, S. J., & Parton, T. (2008). Comparison of PECS and the use of a VOCA: A replication. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 43(2), 198–216.

  4. Berenguer, C., Martínez, E. R., De Stasio, S., & Baixauli, I. (2022). Parents' Perceptions and Experiences with Their Children's Use of Augmentative/Alternative Communication: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13), 8091. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138091

  5. Beukelman, D. R., & Light, J. C. (2020). Augmentative & alternative communication: Supporting children and adults with complex communication needs (5th ed.). Paul H. Brooks Publishing.

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