Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Helping children communicate, connect, and be understood—right now.
If your child is not yet speaking, has limited speech, or is difficult to understand, AAC can provide a meaningful way to express, connect, and be heard. AAC meets your child where they are—and builds from there.
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools and strategies that support or replace spoken language while their speech skills are still developing.
AAC can include:
• Simple picture boards
• Communication books
• Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
• Gestures, signs, and visual supports
AAC does not stop speech from developing. In fact, research shows that AAC often supports and enhances speech and language development.
Who Can Benefit from AAC?
AAC may support children who:
Are not yet speaking, or use very few words (always or sometimes)
Have unclear or difficult-to-understand speech
Have apraxia of speech or motor speech challenges
Have autism or other developmental differences
Understand more than they can express
Become frustrated when trying to communicate
How We Support AAC Users
We support children in building meaningful communication using AAC through evidence-based, motor-based learning—right from the very beginning.
💬 Motivation & Engagement
We create motivating, engaging interactions that encourage communication. When communication feels meaningful, children are more likely to participate and learn.
🧠 Motor-Based Learning
We support motor planning through repeated, meaningful practice—especially during motivating, cause-and-effect activities—so your child learns how to access and use their AAC system with confidence.
🌍 Modeling in Everyday Routines
We model AAC throughout play and daily routines—showing your child how to use their system in real, meaningful moments.
🔁 Acknowledge & Expand
We honor all communication attempts—ASL, gestures, sounds, or AAC—and give them meaning. We build on these moments to help your child communicate more intentionally over time.
You might have questions or concerns about AAC—here are some common ones:
Myths & Facts About AAC
Myth: AAC will stop my child from talking.
Fact: AAC supports and often enhances speech development by reducing frustration and giving children a reliable way to communicate.
Myth: AAC is a last resort
Fact: AAC is a bridge to communication. It provides a way for children to express themselves while their speech skills are still developing.
Myth: AAC is only for those with severe disabilities.
Fact: AAC can support a wide range of communication needs, including children with apraxia, unclear speech, or language delays.
Myth: My child is too young for AAC
Fact: There is no minimum age for AAC. Early access to communication supports language development and reduces frustration.
Our Approach
We focus on connection, motor-based learning, and meaningful communication—not isolated skills.
💬 Connection First
Connection is the foundation of communication. Children learn best when they feel seen, supported, and understood.
🔄 AAC + Speech Together
AAC does not replace speech—it supports and enhances it. We use both together to build a strong, flexible communication system.
🧩 Individualized Support
Every child is different. We tailor AAC systems and strategies based on your child’s strengths, needs, and motivation.
🌍 Generalization Across Settings
We support your child in using AAC across everyday environments—so communication carries beyond therapy into real life.
Communication is more than words—it’s a connection.
If your child is not yet speaking or is difficult to understand, AAC can provide a meaningful way to express, connect, and be heard.
We’re here to support you—every step of the way.
If you’re wondering whether AAC is right for your child, we can help guide you.
No pressure—just a conversation
I’d love to support your child’s communication journey.