I'll tell you my hot take. Aided AAC intervention is not a last resort! Individuals with aphasia don’t simply “get” an AAC system when they “run out” of Medicare/Medicaid insurance visits because they still need a reliable way to engage within their social networks. Aided AAC is so much more than that. It’s an evidence-based intervention with years of data indicating that it works. Not just to compensate or replace natural speech, but to restore natural spoken language and facilitate communication across a variety of settings. So what gives? According to ASHA NOMS, Why did only 2% of the population with aphasia receive AAC intervention? Why do we see so many AAC systems lack customization for individuals with aphasia? Why do we wait until the last minute to even consider AAC? Let’s not even get started on abandonment rates in this population. And ultimately, are we even prepared with the knowledge and skills to implement a syntax and discourse-based aided AAC intervention? I would argue, that for the majority of medical SLPs, WE ARE prepared….we just need to think about AAC differently. 

The topic of this CE opportunity will be discussing why AAC is so challenging for SLPs that serve persons with aphasia. It will also address how to overcome those challenges. The following learning outcomes will be addressed:

1. Understand current barriers to successful AAC implementation and highlight key strategies that help promote successful use of AAC for people with aphasia.
2. Summarize how the theory of intersystemic reorganization can be used to successfully employ AAC as a dual-purpose tool in aphasia rehabilitation.
3. Debunk common myths that persist in aphasiology.