Communicating with someone who uses AAC

Communication is a two-way process.  If there is a problem on either side of the process, it can break down.   

Communicating with someone who uses an AAC system can be different to other ways of communicating.  Some AAC aids and devices take time to use, so conversation can feel unnaturally slow.  It may also be difficult for an unfamiliar listener to understand some types of AAC. 

Here are some things that might help when you are talking to someone who uses AAC:

• Find out if the person has a way of saying ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
• Wait for the person to finish what he or she is saying before replying. 
• Don’t be afraid of silences.  The person might be preparing his or her next response.
• Some AAC users don’t mind their communication partners predicting the end of their sentences.  Others don’t like it.  Check what the person would prefer when you start talking to them.
• If you don’t understand something that has been said, let the person know. Don’t pretend to have understood if you haven’t.  He or she may be able to tell you again in a different way.
• Look for other types of communication from the person (e.g. pointing, body language and facial expressions).  These may help you to understand what the person is saying.
• Repeat back the person’s message to make sure you’ve understood it correctly, and then give them time to confirm that it is right.
• If you have to guess what someone is saying always check that you have guessed correctly.

Adapted from Communication Matters (2001), “Focus On…” series pamphlet, “How to be a Good Listener: Communicating with people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.”