Augmentative and Alternative Communication

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, is any way a person communicates other than or in addition to talking. For some children that means simple gestures or sign language. For others it means picture cards, communication boards, or apps and devices that speak for them. AAC is a toolset — not a label — used to help children express needs, make choices, join play, and build relationships.

Why AAC matters

Communication is how children learn, connect, and feel safe. When a child struggles to get their ideas across, they can become frustrated or miss out on learning and social chances. AAC gives children practical ways to be heard right now, while also supporting language and learning over time. It can be used with infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens, and it changes as a child grows.

Common types of AAC

  • Unaided systems: gestures and sign that don't need props.
  • Low-tech aided systems: picture cards, symbol books, or simple communication boards.
  • Mid-tech: recorded-message devices with buttons.
  • High-tech: apps on tablets or dedicated speech-generating devices that produce spoken words.

What to expect in therapy and coaching

Our approach is family-centered and practical. Therapy usually starts with a talk and observation to learn how your child currently communicates and what matters most to your family. We look at everyday routines — mealtimes, play, school, and community outings — to identify communication opportunities.

From there we introduce AAC options that are age-appropriate, easy to use, and aligned with your child’s strengths and interests. For young children, therapy focuses on play, gestures, simple symbols, and building joint attention with caregivers. For school-age kids and teens, sessions often target functional vocabulary, social scripts, access to devices at school, and strategies for independence.

You can expect:

  • Hands-on trials of different tools so families can see what fits best.
  • Modeling and coaching so caregivers learn how to embed AAC into daily routines.
  • Frequent, small-step goals that focus on real-life communication (asking for help, making choices, starting play).
  • Collaboration with teachers, therapists, and caregivers to support consistent use across settings.

We also help with programming vocabulary, customizing layouts in apps or devices, and troubleshooting technical or access challenges. Your child may use a mix of low- and high-tech options based on what’s easiest and most effective in each situation.

Important things to know

Using AAC is not an all-or-nothing choice. Many children use AAC and also produce spoken language. AAC is meant to increase communication right away and open the door to learning more language over time. We avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and focus on tools that feel natural for your child and family.

When to consider support

  • Your child uses few or no words for several months and you want ways to communicate now.
  • Your child becomes frustrated because others don’t understand them.
  • Teachers or caregivers report your child has trouble asking for needs or joining group activities.
  • You worry your child isn’t getting the chance to learn language in everyday routines.

How we help

  • Family coaching to use AAC in daily life and routines.
  • Trials and selection of low- and high-tech tools that match your child’s needs.
  • Goal-setting focused on functional communication and participation.
  • Collaboration with schools and other providers to make AAC consistent across settings.

If you think AAC might help, we offer an initial consult to discuss options, observe your child, and plan next steps that fit your family’s daily life.