What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

For children with speech or language issues or those who are nonspeaking, AAC offers alternative ways to communicate, from writing in a notebook to using gestures or pressing buttons on a tablet that speaks for the child. Types of AAC generally fall under two categories: Unaided systems: These involve your child’s own body rather than using external devices such as gestures, body language, facial expressions, and some sign vocabulary. Aided systems: These use a tool or device. They may be basic, like a pen and paper, or high-tech, like a touch tablet or other speech-generating device. Some common programs are Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and GoTalk.

For more information, see our article Mapping the Journey from Birth to Kindergarten: Therapy Glossary.