What is social competence in AAC communication?

Social competence in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) communication refers to the knowledge and skills required to effectively engage in social interactions, which includes knowing how and when to communicate appropriately in various contexts. This involves being aware of the social norms, cues, and expectations that guide interpersonal communication. For instance, it encompasses recognizing when to initiate conversation, how to respond to others, and understanding the dynamics of turn-taking in dialogue, all of which are essential for meaningful communication.

While effective language use, such as the ability to construct sentences correctly, is important (as noted in the first choice), social competence places emphasis on the contextual application of language rather than just the grammatical or structural aspects. Managing the devices used for AAC and understanding syntax are also crucial skills, but they do not fully capture the essence of social competence, which fundamentally revolves around the ability to navigate social situations successfully. Therefore, option B accurately defines social competence in the context of AAC communication.