We need to take AAC out of the "too hard basket." An exploration into the attitudes of Australian speech language pathologists toward AAC

Clancy Conlon; Robyn Preston; Barbra Zupan

doi:10.1080/07434618.2025.2516760

We need to take AAC out of the "too hard basket." An exploration into the attitudes of Australian speech language pathologists toward AAC

Augment Altern Commun. 2025 Jun 25:1-13. doi: 10.1080/07434618.2025.2516760. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Clancy Conlon¹, Robyn Preston², Barbra Zupan³

Affiliations

¹ CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Speech Pathology, Rockhampton, Australia.
² CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, College of Science and Sustainability, Public Health, Townsville, Australia.
³ CQUniversity, School of Graduate Research, Rockhampton, Australia.

PMID: 40562524
DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2025.2516760

Abstract

Background: The attitudes of speech language pathologists (SLPs) toward AAC are integral to optimal outcomes for AAC users; however, there has been limited research into the attitudes, values and beliefs of SLPs about AAC.

Aim: This study sought to explore SLPs' attitudes, beliefs and values about AAC and factors influencing SLP attitudes throughout their clinical journey.

Method: One on one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 Australian SLPs. All interviews were conducted via Zoom, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a deductive, values coding approach.

Results: Most SLPs commenced their clinical journey with either no awareness of AAC or a negative attitude toward AAC. However, attitudes were not static, and descriptions of an SLP's clinical journey demonstrated that attitudinal change is achievable. Findings indicated that this change is heavily dependent on factors that influenced the SLP within the personal, social, and historical context.

Conclusion: While attitudes toward AAC improved for some SLPs throughout their clinical journey, active steps need to be taken to ensure the majority of SLPs commence their career with a positive attitude toward AAC. Three key recommendations are proposed.

Keywords: AAC; Augmentative and alternative communication; attitudes; beliefs; speech pathology; values.