Communication is more than talking. It’s how children share their thoughts, express their needs, connect with others, and participate in the world around them. For some children, spoken language may be difficult or may not meet all of their communication needs. That’s where Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can make a life-changing difference.
What Is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC includes tools, strategies, and systems that support or replace spoken communication for individuals who have difficulty communicating verbally.
People often think of iPads or tablets when they hear the term AAC; however, AAC can be as simple as pointing to pictures or using gestures, or as advanced as a speech-generating device that speaks when a child selects symbols or words. We will be doing more of a deep dive into speech generating devices (SGD) in our next blog.
Examples of AAC include:
- Picture communication boards
- Communication books
- Sign language
- Core vocabulary boards
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs) with communication apps
Who Can Benefit from AAC?
AAC can be used temporarily or long-term, depending on a child’s individual needs. AAC can support children with a variety of communication challenges, including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Childhood Apraxia of Speech
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Developmental Delays
- Genetic Syndromes
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Speech and language disorders that significantly impact communication
Common Myths About AAC:
Myth #1: AAC is Only for Children Who are Nonspeaking
Parents often wonder why speech therapists recommend AAC when their child does have some words to communicate, but AAC is not only for children who are nonspeaking. AAC can serve as an additional way for children to communicate when verbal words aren’t enough. Many children who can speak still benefit from AAC as a way to supplement their communication, especially when speech is difficult to understand or inconsistent. AAC systems provide an additional mode of communication to support and expand language, decrease frustration with communication breakdowns, and increase initiation of communication.
Myth #2: AAC Will Prevent My Child from Talking
This is one of the most common concerns parents have, but research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent speech development. In fact, AAC often supports language growth and may encourage spoken communication by reducing frustration and increasing opportunities to communicate. I often see children make attempts to verbally imitate selections made on their speech generating devices.
Myth #3: AAC Is a Last Resort
AAC does not have to wait until all other strategies have been tried. Early access to AAC can help children communicate successfully during critical periods of language development.
Myth #4: AAC Is Only for Older Children
Children can begin using AAC at a very young age. There is no minimum age requirement for AAC. In many cases, earlier intervention leads to better communication outcomes.
How AAC Supports Development:
When children have a reliable way to communicate, they gain much more than words. Communication is the foundation for learning, and AAC helps ensure children have access to that foundation.
AAC can help children:
- Express wants and needs
- Participate in classroom activities
- Develop language skills
- Build social relationships
- Reduce communication-related frustration
- Increase independence and self-advocacy
- Strengthen confidence and self-esteem
What Does AAC Therapy Look Like?
AAC therapy is not just about learning to press buttons on a device. A speech-language pathologist works with the child, family, school staff, and other caregivers to develop meaningful communication opportunities throughout the day.
During therapy, children may learn to:
- Request favorite toys or activities
- Answer questions
- Tell stories
- Express feelings
- Participate in conversations
- Use vocabulary across different settings
Choosing the Right AAC System
There is no “one-size-fits-all” AAC solution. The goal is to identify a system that allows the child to communicate as effectively and independently as possible. A comprehensive AAC evaluation considers:
- Communication strengths and challenges
- Motor skills
- Vision and hearing abilities
- Cognitive and language skills
- Family priorities
- Educational needs
- Daily environments
Supporting AAC at Home
My SLP recommended AAC, what should I do now? Family involvement is essential in AAC success. The best AAC outcomes occur when communication opportunities are supported both in therapy sessions and in everyday life. Here at PediaSpeech, we offer parent trainings specific to your child’s personal AAC system and communication needs.
Here are a few simple strategies:
Access
If a child is using an AAC system as a mode of communication, they should always have access to that system/device. This is one of the most important aspects of implementing an AAC system. A child’s personal AAC system is their voice. A speaking child always has access to their mouth/voice so a child using AAC should always have access to theirs!
Model AAC Use
Become familiar with your child’s AAC system. Use the child’s AAC system while you talk. Show them how communication works by selecting words and symbols during natural interactions.
Create Opportunities to Communicate
Pause during routines, offer choices, and encourage your child to express preferences.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
The goal is communication, not perfect grammar or exact button selections.
Celebrate Every Attempt
Every communication attempt deserves recognition and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
Communication is one of the most important skills a child develops. Every child deserves a way to communicate. AAC gives children the opportunity to share their ideas, build relationships, and participate more fully in their families, schools, and communities. Whether a child uses a simple picture board or a high-tech speech-generating device, AAC is about empowering communication and helping children find their voice.
At PediaSpeech Services, we are passionate about supporting children and families on their AAC journey. Through individualized evaluations, evidence-based intervention, and family-centered care, we help children develop the communication skills they need to thrive. At PediaSpeech, our pediatric speech therapy services help children build the confidence and communication skills they need to succeed at home, in school, and in everyday life.
Interested in learning whether AAC may be appropriate for your child? Contact PediaSpeech Services today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our speech-language therapy services.