What is AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) means any method that supports or replaces speech, including gestures, signs, picture cards, communication boards, and speech-generating devices or apps. It helps people with limited speech, such as some autistic children or children with cerebral palsy, to express needs, make choices and join conversations. AAC does not stop speech developing.
What this means in practice
Everyone has the right to communicate. AAC gives a child a voice now while speech is developing, and for some it remains their main way of communicating.
Types of AAC
- Unaided: gestures, facial expressions and sign language.
- Low-tech: picture cards, PECS, communication books and boards.
- High-tech: tablets and devices that speak words aloud.
Making AAC work
Make the system available all day, model it by pointing to symbols as you speak, give time to respond, and accept AAC messages as real communication.
Common concerns
Model AAC throughout the day, not only in therapy sessions.
- Concern: AAC will make the child lazy about speaking. Evidence: it does not.
- Concern: the child is too young. AAC can start very early.
- Concern: it is too expensive. Low-tech options cost little.
- Concern: classmates will tease. Teaching the class about AAC promotes acceptance.
- Concern: teachers lack training. Basic modelling is quick to learn.
Practical next steps
- Work with a speech and language therapist to choose a system.
- Learn and model the system yourself.
- Keep it with the child everywhere.
- Teach classmates to use it too.
What to keep in mind
Choose AAC based on assessment of the child's abilities; review it as needs change.
Common follow-up questions
Will AAC stop my child from talking?
Research shows AAC does not prevent speech and may support it.
Is AAC expensive?
Low-tech options cost very little; devices vary in price.
Sources
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.