If you’re new to the autistic community, you might not know what the acronym AAC stands for.

AAC means “Augmentative and Alternative Communication.”

Augmentative = a supplement to spoken communication

Alternative = the method doesn’t require speaking to communicate

AAC is a very broad category of communication methods that don’t require speech.

AAC is used by many autistic people who can’t speak, have unreliable speech, or find it easier to communicate without speaking.

And it’s used by many other disabled people as well.

Some examples of AAC include communication apps for smartphones or iPads, electronic keyboards, sign language, symbol-based systems, pen & paper writing, etc.

A lot of people use the word “AAC” just to refer to communication apps, but that’s only one type of AAC.

AAC is not just for people who are completely incapable of speaking at all times.

It’s for anyone who has unreliable speech, or who finds spoken communication challenging.

Many autistic people benefit from using AAC methods such as communication apps or sign language.

It’s common for autistic people who are usually capable of speaking to lose speech when we’re overstimulated, or having a meltdown or shutdown.

I’m one of those people.

I have several AAC apps on my phone for situations like that, and I know a few basic signs in ASL.

Some other common myths include that AAC will hinder speech development, or that a person has to have a certain level of measured intelligence to be able to use AAC.

Neither of those things are true.

AAC helps facilitate all forms of communication, for all people.

Different AAC methods will work better for different people.

This depends on a person’s disability, the ways they’re impaired, and their own personal preferences.

Communication is a human right, and all people deserve the chance to explore the methods that work best for them.