Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Communication is more than spoken words. Every child deserves a reliable way to express their wants, needs, thoughts, and ideas. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) provides additional ways to communicate while supporting language development, social interaction, and participation throughout the day.
What Is AAC?
AAC includes a variety of tools and strategies that help children communicate when speech alone is difficult. These may include gestures, picture communication systems, communication boards, speech-generating devices, or other tools that help children express themselves more effectively. Every child's needs are different, so the specific supports selected vary from child to child.
Will AAC Stop My Child from Talking?
No. Research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent or delay speech development. In fact, providing children with a reliable way to communicate often supports spoken language development, reduces frustration, and encourages meaningful interactions. AAC is designed to support communication while encouraging spoken language whenever possible.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from an AAC Evaluation
Your child may benefit from an AAC evaluation if they:
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Have limited or no spoken language
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Are difficult for familiar or unfamiliar listeners to understand
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Have difficulty communicating their thoughts, ideas, or feelings
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Become frustrated when trying to communicate
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Have a diagnosis associated with complex communication needs, such as autism, Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or another developmental or neurological condition
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Benefit from visual supports to communicate
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Have difficulty participating in conversations, daily activities, or social interactions because of communication challenges
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Have been referred by a physician, therapist, educator, or another healthcare professional
AAC Evaluations
An AAC evaluation helps determine whether additional communication supports may benefit your child and identifies the AAC tools and strategies best suited to their communication needs.
Depending on your child's needs, the evaluation may assess:
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Receptive and expressive language
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Current methods of communication
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Speech intelligibility
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Play and social communication
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Symbol understanding
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Motor, sensory, cognitive, and visual access
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Communication across home, school, and community settings
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Potential AAC systems and access methods
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy helps children learn how to use their communication system confidently to express themselves, interact with others, and continue developing language skills.
Depending on your child's needs, therapy may include:
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Building confidence and independence with AAC
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Expanding receptive and expressive language
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Teaching the use of speech-generating devices and AAC systems
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Core vocabulary instruction
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Supporting social communication
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Parent coaching and home strategies
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Collaboration with teachers, physicians, and other professionals, when appropriate