ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on acquired communication difficulties which necessitate the introduction of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This includes stroke, head injury, changes to the structure of head or neck due to cancer or other surgery, and degenerative conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND), Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease. The onset and diagnosis of an acquired communication disorder is likely to be devastating for individual and their family. People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are likely to need AAC for a long time, particularly if their injury was sustained whilst young. High-tech may be more acceptable to some users, simply because it is normal to use a phone, tablet or computer. Conversation partner training is also recommended to enhance AAC user and their family and friends' experience of using AAC. AAC users and their families report that an acquired communication disorder or the onset of a degenerative condition leads to a change in social roles and participation.
