Introduction to AAC

Lesley E. Mayne

Details: 458 pages, B&W, Softcover, 7" x 10"

ISBN13: 978-1-63550-779-9

Publication Date: September 2025

Written specifically for undergraduate-level and speech-language pathology assistant students, Introduction to AAC presents an introduction to the knowledge and skills in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) that support people across the lifespan in the cultures in which they live and people with whom they interact. It presents the foundational knowledge of AAC in a way that is engaging for students, incorporating pedagogical elements designed to encourage active learning such as quick application tasks in a Mindful Minute, time for Reflection, and Integration Tasks that promote critical thinking that are embedded in each chapter. The text invites the reader to build AAC skills and knowledge including assessment and intervention, AAC technology, literacy, and communication partner support that culminates in a final chapter on AAC intervention session design.

Key Features

• Bolded terms: Allows students to visually landmark on important concepts, create associations with the surrounding text, and identify them again more easily when preparing for assignments, projects, exams, and application in real life.
• Case studies: Numerous cases and vignettes create an opportunity to blend conceptual knowledge with a real-world person. They play a vital role in creativity, allowing students to consider application of concepts to someone that they may work with or support in their future.
• Mindful Minutes: Engagement tasks ask the learner to act upon the concepts by practicing or thinking about what was read. These opportunities generate action and provide a different way for learners to cognitively engage with the concepts in addition to reading.
• Reflections: Encourage students to think about their experiences, activate background knowledge, or consider concepts as they may be new or offer a different perspective.
• Integration Tasks: Chapter questions are posed before the Conclusion so students engage with learning outcomes. Each chapter offers concept check questions, application opportunities, and For Thought… statements. Therefore, students are invited to become active participants with the text and bring their own experiences to each chapter.

PluralPlus Online Ancillaries

For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Class Activities, Syllabus, Case Studies, Videos
For students: Quizzes, eFlashcards, Activities/Exercises, Links to Related Resources

Companion Website

View Sample Pages

Reviews

“This textbook offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of AAC, seamlessly blending clear explanations with practical examples. It provides an in-depth understanding that is both accessible and insightful, making it an invaluable resource for undergraduate students/learners and professionals alike. With its thorough coverage and well-organized structure, this book is an essential addition to any CSD library.”— Diana Blakeney-Billings, PhD, AuD, CCC-A, Alabama A&M University

“It provides valuable insights that are highly relevant across multiple levels of expertise, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as individuals pursuing careers as speech-language pathology assistants. By addressing foundational concepts and practical applications, the content serves as a versatile resource, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world practice. This ensures that learners at different stages of their academic and professional journeys can benefit from the material, enhancing their understanding and ability to implement effective strategies in speech-language pathology.”— Amanda Buchheit, Brothers Educational Consulting/Cal Baptist University

“The authors have covered the material in a friendly and approachable manner. The mindful minute, reflections, case studies, and integration tasks support cognitive mediation for the students. I also like the application tasks and concept checks. This text is clearly connected to clinical work and provides a strong foundation for future practitioners.”
—Margaret Vento-Wilson, PhD, CCC-SLP, Assistant Professor, California State University Long Beach, College of Health and Human Services, Department of Speech-Language Pathology

“Concept check questions at the end of each chapter actively engage the students in summarizing the key ideas that were presented. The inclusion of many graphics and visuals along with links to tools and resources available on the internet helps to ensure understanding and allows students to implement knowledge as they learn the concepts. By providing multiple application activities for each chapter, the author provides options for instructors to assign activities most appropriate for their method of course delivery or to allow students to choose activities that they are most interested in.”—Jennifer Schultz, Mitchell Technical College