Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC)
Supporting healthy breathing, oral muscle function and lifelong habits
Every child deserves a way to communicate their thoughts, needs, feelings and ideas. For some children, spoken language alone isn’t enough to communicate effectively. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) provides additional ways for children to express themselves and actively participate in everyday life.
At SLP Therapy & Me, we provide evidence-based, individualised AAC assessment and therapy to help children develop functional communication skills across home, school and the community. Therapy is tailored to each child’s strengths, communication needs and goals, while working closely with families, educators and other professionals to support successful communication in everyday environments.
What is Alternative & Augmentative Communication (AAC)?
AAC refers to any method of communication that supports or replaces spoken language.
AAC can include:
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communication boards
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picture symbols
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visual communication systems
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key word sign
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speech-generating devices
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dedicated communication apps
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high-tech communication devices
AAC can be used temporarily or long-term, depending on each child’s communication needs. For many children, AAC adds to spoken language rather than replacing it. It provides another way for children to communicate while continuing to develop their speech and language skills.
Who can benefit from AAC?
AAC may benefit children who have difficulty communicating using speech alone.
This may include children who:
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have limited or unclear speech
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have autism and require additional communication supports
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have Childhood Apraxia of Speech
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have developmental language disorder
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have cerebral palsy
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have genetic or neurological conditions
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experience complex communication needs
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become frustrated because they cannot communicate effectively
AAC is not based on a child’s age or whether they are “ready.” Research shows that introducing AAC early can support communication development and participation in everyday life.
Signs your child may benefit from AAC
Your child may benefit from an AAC assessment if they:
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become frustrated when trying to communicate
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have difficulty expressing their wants and needs
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use gestures or behaviours instead of words
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have speech that is difficult for others to understand
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communicate using only a small number of words
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struggle to participate in conversations
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have difficulty communicating across different environments
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need additional support to communicate at home or school
An AAC assessment can help determine whether AAC may be a helpful communication support and identify the most appropriate options for your child.
Common AAC supports we provide
Communication Boards
Communication boards use pictures, symbols or words to help children communicate their needs, choices and ideas.
They can be used at home, school and in the community to increase opportunities for successful communication.
Speech Generating Devices (SGD)
Some children benefit from electronic devices that produce spoken messages when symbols or words are selected. These systems can support children to communicate more independently across a wide range of everyday situations.
Communication Apps
There are many AAC apps available, but not every system is suitable for every child. Assessment helps identify the most appropriate system based on your child’s communication skills, access methods and goals.
Communication Partner Training
AAC is most successful when everyone around the child understands how to support communication. Therapy includes coaching for parents, carers, educators and support staff so AAC becomes part of everyday interactions rather than something used only during therapy sessions.
Building Functional Communication
AAC is about much more than requesting items. Therapy helps children communicate for a wide variety of purposes, including:
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making choices
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asking questions
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sharing ideas
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participating in conversations
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building relationships
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expressing emotions
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learning at school
The ultimate goal is meaningful participation in everyday life.
What does an AAC assessment involve?
Every child communicates differently, so an AAC assessment looks at much more than speech. During the assessment, we may:
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discuss your child’s communication strengths and challenges
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observe how your child currently communicates
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assess language, play and communication skills
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trial different low-tech and high-tech AAC options where appropriate
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consider your child’s physical, sensory and learning needs
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discuss communication opportunities across home, school and the community
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answer any questions you may have
Following the assessment, we’ll explain the findings, discuss recommendations and develop an individualised communication plan that best supports your child’s needs.
What does AAC Therapy involve?
Every child’s communication journey is unique, so therapy is tailored to their individual strengths, goals and everyday communication needs.
Sessions focus on helping children learn how to use their AAC system in meaningful, motivating activities. Rather than simply learning to press buttons or point to pictures, children learn how to communicate for real-life purposes such as requesting, commenting, asking questions, sharing experiences and building relationships.
AAC is most successful when it is used consistently across a child’s daily environments. Parents, carers, educators and support workers play an important role in supporting communication, so therapy includes practical coaching and strategies that help everyone feel confident using AAC during everyday routines.
Where appropriate, we also collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other members of your child’s support team to ensure AAC is implemented consistently across settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AAC stop my child from talking or learning to talk?
No. This is one of the most common concerns parents have, but research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent children from developing speech. In fact, for many children, AAC supports language development, reduces communication frustration and can encourage spoken communication where speech is possible.
Is my child too young for AAC?
No. AAC can be introduced at any age when a child would benefit from additional communication support. There is no need to wait until a child reaches a certain age or has “failed” speech therapy before considering AAC.
Does AAC only mean using an iPad?
No. AAC includes many different communication methods, from simple picture boards and communication books to speech-generating devices and specialised communication apps. The best AAC system depends on your child’s individual communication needs.
Will my child always need AAC?
Every child’s communication journey is different. Some children use AAC temporarily while speech develops, while others continue using AAC as their primary communication method. Recommendations are always based on your child’s strengths, goals and changing communication needs over time.
How long will my child need AAC therapy?
Every child progresses at their own pace. The length of therapy depends on your child’s communication goals, opportunities to use AAC in everyday life and the support available across home and school. Regular practice and consistently modelling and using AAC during daily routines can have a significant impact on your child’s progress. Following an assessment, I’ll discuss recommendations tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to communicate or wondering whether AAC could benefit them, we’d love to help. Together, we can explore your child’s communication strengths, identify the supports that best meet their needs and develop an individualised plan that empowers them to communicate with confidence in everyday life.