AAC: Giving Your Child a Voice

AAC — Augmentative and Alternative Communication — refers to any method of communication beyond speech. It includes picture exchange, speech-generating devices (like Proloquo2Go), sign language, and low-tech picture boards.

The biggest myth: AAC will prevent speech development

Research is unambiguous on this. AAC does not reduce spoken language — it increases it. Children with more communication access have more reasons to communicate, which builds the neural pathways for all communication including speech. Every speech-language pathologist and BCBA will confirm this. If someone tells you otherwise, ask for the research.

What counts as AAC

• Low-tech: picture boards, PECS binders, laminated word cards
• Mid-tech: single-message speech output buttons (Big Mack)
• High-tech: dedicated speech-generating devices, tablet apps (Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life)
• Sign language, gestures, writing

Who benefits from AAC

Anyone who cannot reliably communicate their needs through speech alone. Age doesn't matter. Cognitive level doesn't matter — presume competence. Communication is a human right, not something earned through prerequisite skills.

Getting started without an evaluation

An SLP evaluation is ideal. While you wait (waitlists can be 6–18 months), you can start:

1. PECS Phase 1: child physically exchanges a picture to get a desired item. This builds the concept of communication as tool.
2. Core word boards: 20–30 high-frequency words on a laminated board. Teach yourself to use it too (aided language stimulation).
3. Download a free AAC app (e.g., Snap Core First free trial) and model using it.

The modeling rule

Your child needs to hear/see a word 50–100 times before using it independently. You model using the AAC first. They watch. They learn. They use it.