Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses various methods individuals use to enhance or compensate for limited verbal speech.
Augmentative communication allows an individual’s message to become clearer to the listener by adding to their speech through means such as sign language, pictures, communication devices, etc.
Alternative communication is utilized when an individual is unable to speak or when their oral communication may not be understood by others.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) encompasses various methods individuals use to enhance or compensate for limited verbal speech. Augmentative communication allows an individual’s message to become clearer to the listener by adding to their speech through means such as sign language, pictures, communication devices, etc. Alternative communication is utilized when an individual is unable to speak or when their oral communication may not be understood by others.
Total Communication Approach
At Monkey Mouths, we take a total communication approach, honoring all forms of communication. Our goal is to maximize and utilize your child’s full communication abilities. AAC may be an appropriate treatment option if your child is difficult to understand or is unable to speak. Individuals of all ages and various speech and language impairments can benefit from AAC. Diagnoses that may impact verbal speech and intelligibility include autism spectrum disorder, childhood apraxia of speech, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and dysarthria.
High-tech forms of AAC may include strategies and tools that require batteries and electronics such as:
Mid-tech forms of AAC often refer to electronic devices that are battery operated and have simpler functions such as:
No-tech or low-tech forms of AAC refer to tools and strategies that do not require batteries or electronics such as:
Scheduling an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist can help determine if AAC would be beneficial for your child. Various skills such as receptive and expressive language abilities will be assessed to determine an appropriate language system for your child.
Language and Speech Sound Development
Children who are appropriate candidates for AAC may demonstrate delays in receptive/expressive language and articulation.
AAC can be used in speech therapy and across environments to help your child meet their speech and language goals. Many people question whether AAC will prevent someone from speaking or negatively impact language development. According to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), research demonstrates that utilizing AAC can promote language and speech sound development. Having additional tools and forms of communication accessible to a child, aides in successful communication. For example, using pictures on voice output systems can help prompt a child to utilize verbal speech. Modeling language on a communication device for a child not only allows a child to hear language being used but also see language being used.
Benefits of AAC include:
Children using AAC may benefit from occupational therapy to help assist with fine motor, gross motor, and/or visual impairments. For example, when using a high-tech device such as an iPad, the child may need to have skills such as finger isolation and the ability to select target icons on a screen. An occupational therapist can evaluate these skills to determine appropriate access methods and improve target selection.
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) includes any tool or system that helps a child communicate when spoken language is difficult or not yet developed. AAC can include sign language, picture boards, communication books, or speech-generating devices.
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about AAC. Research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent children from learning to speak. In fact, AAC often supports speech and language development by reducing frustration, increasing opportunities to communicate, and helping children build vocabulary.
No. Children are never too young to benefit from AAC. Research shows that introducing communication supports early can promote language development, reduce frustration, and encourage meaningful communication during everyday routines.
An AAC evaluation is completed by one of our speech therapists and begins with a comprehensive assessment of your child’s communication skills, motor abilities, vision, and everyday communication needs. We may trial different AAC systems or speech-generating devices to determine which option best supports your child’s success.
Yes. We guide families through the entire process of obtaining a speech-generating device. This includes completing the evaluation, trialing devices, preparing the required insurance documentation, coordinating with equipment vendors, and providing training so your family feels confident using the device.
In many cases, yes. Most private insurance plans and Medicaid cover medically necessary speech-generating devices. Our speech therapist completes the evaluation and submits the required documentation to help families navigate the insurance approval process.
Every child communicates differently, so we recommend the AAC system that best fits your child’s strengths, needs, and daily routines. We work with a wide range of communication options, including speech-generating devices, eye-gaze technology, communication boards, and sign language.
Yes. Using the same communication system across home, school, therapy, and the community helps children become more successful communicators. If your child receives a dedicated speech-generating device through insurance, it belongs to your child—not the school—and can be used wherever they go. We also collaborate with school teams to help ensure consistent vocabulary and support across all settings.
