Supporting Emerging Communicators using AAC

Emerging communicators are those who are at an early stage of communication because of their age or developmental level. For these communicators, the pathway to communication and participation may be unclear at the initial assessment. In this chapter, two cases will be outlined demonstrating how early communicators may present at initial assessment, how AAC may support communication skill development, and illustrate two contrasting potential pathways as the clinical picture evolves through diagnostic intervention. Assessment tools, and intervention techniques utilised will be discussed. The chapter illustrates that AAC may be an important tool for emerging communicators to facilitate communication skill development and should be introduced as early as possible.