Lecture Notes: Attributing Meaning in AAC Communication

Introduction

• Speaker: Amanda Hartmann, Speech Pathologist at AssistiveWare
• Topic: The strategy of attributing meaning in communication with AAC users

What is Attributing Meaning?

• A strategy for communication partners of AAC users
• Involves observing, listening, and assigning meaning to the user's actions, facial expressions, body language, and communication attempts
• Goes beyond observation by modeling words and language on the AAC to match possible meanings

Importance and Purpose

• Helps in being responsive communication partners
• Builds connections and guides language modeling on AAC
• Supports AAC users in their communication development

Key Strategies for Attributing Meaning

1. Label Behaviors and Actions as Communication

• Recognize communication in facial expressions, gestures, and actions
• Examples:
  • "I see you smiling. You are telling me you like this" (while pointing to [like] on the AAC)
  • "You’re reaching for the ball, you [want] the ball?"
  • Responding to gestures such as squeezing by offering [something sensory]
• Observing AAC users to understand their behaviors and actions
• If unsure about a behavior, ask familiar communication partners for insights
• Adjusting and guessing again if the initial interpretation seems incorrect

2. Respond Meaningfully to Attempts at Using AAC

• Treat all AAC communication attempts as intentional, not accidents
• Attribute meaning even if it seems random
• Examples:
  • If tapping "helicopter," respond with "You must [like] helicopters."
  • If saying "cake," link it to an event like a birthday
• Model additional words and language to enrich the message

Respecting Different Forms of Communication

• Recognize and respect gestures and actions as valid communication
• Allow multiple forms of communication without requiring redundancy on AAC
• Ensure the message is conveyed in any possible way

Conclusion

• Attributing meaning is crucial for all AAC users
• Helps in connecting and building communication skills

Additional Resources

• For more information, refer to the Learn AAC section of the AssistiveWare website

Acknowledgment: Thank you to Tom for assisting with video demonstrations.