Is AAC at the top of your tool bag? Conceptualising clinical competence in AAC

Speech language pathology is a competency-based profession of which aug mentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a core component of prac tice. Despite this, competence in AAC is not clearly defined within clinical guidelines or the literature. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore what competence in AAC means to Australian speech language pathologists (SLPs). Sixteen SLPs participated via Zoom. All interview data were coded and collapsed into four themes: (1) Breadth and depth of knowledge in AAC, (2) A range of clinical skills in AAC, (3) Confidence in AAC as a practice area and (4) Beliefs and values of the clinician. The interconnected nature of these themes was apparent throughout the interviews. It is important for SLPs to have a clear understanding of competence within each area of practice, but this is particularly pertinent in AAC where unique knowledge and skills are required. A definition of clinical competence in AAC is proposed.