A milestone moment for AccessNow360 — Dr May Agius was recently invited to deliver a session for Irish speech and language therapists as part of the Autism AAC Special Interest Group, exploring a question many practitioners and families ask: which kind of AAC is best? Is it PECS, a communication device, signing, or a communication book?
The session challenged the idea that one system is better than another, and instead asked a more important question: what actually helps AAC work? Looking at current evidence and clinical practice, the focus shifted from comparing tools to understanding the conditions that support communication. These include access to the system, the role of communication partners, everyday opportunities to use AAC, sensory processing needs, expectations, and the time needed for communication to develop.
The discussion also touched on some of the debates within the field, highlighting the importance of staying critical, reflective, and person-centred in decision-making.
So rather than asking “Which AAC is best?”, perhaps we should be asking: “What does this person need to communicate — and what do we need to put in place to support that?”
We would love to hear your thoughts. What questions are you sitting with in your own practice or experience with AAC?
If you would like to explore how AccessNow360 can support you, your school, or your organisation, get in touch. We would love to start the conversation.
