What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a method of communication that supplements or compliments verbal speech for individuals with speech and/or language difficulties. There are several types of AAC available such as picture boards, letter boards, and speech generating devices. No matter what form of AAC is used, the goal remains the same: support communication.

Who Can Benefit from AAC?

Anyone with speech and/or language deficits may benefit from AAC. Even children who use some verbal speech may benefit from using AAC to support grammar, thought organization, and clarity of speech. Below is a list of some children who may benefit from AAC:

• Minimally speaking children

• Children with Apraxia of Speech (or children who are difficult to understand)

• Children with communication disorders secondary to autism

• Children with physical disabilities that may impact verbal language

Why Consider AAC?

AAC can provide children a way to communicate when verbal speech and/or language is challenging. It aids children in making requests, commenting during daily interactions, protesting undesired objects/activities, and more. Using AAC to support communication can relieve frustrations for the child AND parents. Everyone wants to be understood! If your child has trouble communicating their wants and needs, gets easily frustrated when they aren’t understood, or has trouble finding their words, consider talking to your child’s SLP about AAC. Everyone deserves a voice :)