by Penny Tonn, MS, CCC-SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist); NWACS Contributor

AAC is most effective with a team approach. Teams include the AAC user, their caregivers, and other support people. When developing AAC goals, teams should be aware of the communication needs of the person. They should also think about team member knowledge of AAC and the AAC system used.

Goals for AAC Users

Communicative functions, or reasons we communicate, is an important consideration. Teaching often first focuses on requesting, especially for early communicators. But there are so many other reasons we all communicate! We want to develop well rounded communication skills. So goals should include teaching communicators to:

refuse
greet
answer questions
share feelings/experiences
take part in fun and engaging social activities
and more

We want to teach how to communicate for the following reasons:

Regulatory purposes

requesting: asking for items, activities, permission, or help

indicating a desire to stop an activity

seeking information

directing a communication partner during an activity or routine

refusing or protesting an undesirable action of a communication partner

Social interactive purposes:

calling for attention

requesting engagement during a social activity

commenting or making statements

naming to call shared attention towards an item, person, or location

agreeing during shared communication

expressing feelings

sharing experiences

social routines such as engagement during games and conversations

answering questions

These purposes for communication help build goals. The reasons we communicate relate to what we or our loved one would like to share. Include the important stakeholders, most importantly the AAC user, when developing these plans. Observe the AAC user's actions during enjoyable and frustrating activities to figure out the support they may need. Adapt over time and adjust as needed. Communication needs change over time!

For more information on communicative functions, check out Communicative Functions or Purposes of Communication from Indiana Resource Center for Autism.

Stay tuned for Part 2 (Goals for Dynamic Systems) and Part 3 (Goals for AAC Supporters)!

What other goals do you think are important for AAC users? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments or the NWACS Facebook page!