Working with AAC: A Guide for Supporting Augmentative and Alternative Communication Users

by Helen Robinson

Overview

This book demystifies the world of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in speech and language therapy, explaining key terminology and guiding clinicians through the research underpinning successful clinical practice. Spanning a range of clinical groups and all ages, it introduces a holistic framework to support clinicians along the journey from assessment to implementation. Key features include:

• Current research and evidence-based practice broken down into accessible chunks.
• Clear, easy to read explanations of the components of AAC systems and their importance.
• An insight into the challenges faced when supporting AAC users and solutions to overcome these.
• The voices of aided communicators woven throughout, re-telling their experiences and how clinicians can best support them to use AAC.
• Photocopiable clinical resources, including assessment checklists and advice sheets for families and people who use AAC.

Rooted in lived experience, this book suggests practical solutions for supporting a person to have a positive experience of being an aided communicator. It is an invaluable resource for experienced clinicians, speech and language therapists and allied professionals, as well as those new to the world of AAC both now and in years to come.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040384442
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/13/2025
Series:	Working With
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	284
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Helen Robinson is a Speech and Language Therapist and AAC Service Lead for the Barnsley Assistive Technology Team, delivering specialised AAC services for Yorkshire and Humberside. She has presented on AAC at international conferences and written numerous articles for the Communication Matters journal.

Table of Contents

List of contributors

List of tables

List of figures

Preface

Acknowledgements

List of acronyms and abbreviations

Part 1

1. What is AAC and who uses it?

2. How do we choose which type of AAC to use?

3. What makes a good AAC service?

Part 2: The Positive AAC Framework

4. Preferences

5. Provision

6. Practice and Play

7. Planning

8. People

9. Pride

Appendices

Index

Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"By bringing together learning from extensive professional experience, first-person insights, and current research, Working with AAC provides a comprehensive resource for busy clinicians. This book offers an innovative and accessible framework that will support and enhance the practice of anyone who works with people who use, or who could benefit from using, AAC." - Dr Katherine Broomfield, Cardiff Metropolitan University and North Bristol NHS Trust

"This text is a welcome and timely addition to the AAC literature. It will support students in their learning and clinicians in their practice." - Janice Murray, Professor Emeritus, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

From the Publisher