AUGMENTATIVE & ALTERNATive Communication (AAC)

AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) refers to tools or strategies that help individuals who have difficulty speaking to communicate.

It can include anything from simple picture cards to high-tech devices like tablets or iPads with speech-generating software, helping them express their needs, thoughts, and feelings. Some examples of AAC devices include Proloquo2go, TouchChat, AVAZ, PODD books, and PECS.

If your child is having difficulties communicating verbally we may suggest and trial an AAC device to assist your child’s communication abilities.

We aim to support your child’s communication through AAC by:

• Training your child and their communication partners (e.g. parents, other family members, teachers, etc.) on how to use an AAC device.

• Helping your child to express their ideas, wants, and needs using their AAC device.

• Creating a personalised AAC device to ensure the system includes vocabulary that is relevant and meaningful to your child, such as favourite toys, activities, or people.

• Teaching your child to respond to questions and requests using their AAC.

• Guiding family members on how to integrate AAC into daily routines and activities (like mealtimes, playtime, or during book reading), so it becomes a natural part of communication.