augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
What happens during AAC sessions?
During AAC sessions, a speech-language therapist helps a child communicate using gestures, picture symbols, boards or speech-generating devices, modelling the system in motivating play-based moments and coaching parents to use it at home. AAC supports spoken language rather than replacing it. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
When words don't come easily, AAC gives your child a reliable, joyful way to be heard — and a good session feels like play, not work.
In short
During an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) session, a speech-language therapist helps your child express themselves using tools beyond spoken words — gestures, picture symbols, communication boards, or speech-generating apps and devices. The therapist models how to use the system in real, motivating moments (snacks, play, choices), then coaches you to do the same at home. The goal is always more communication, in every way your child can — AAC supports speech, it never replaces or delays it.What actually happens in a session
- Choosing and tuning the tool — the therapist explores what fits your child right now: simple picture cards, a core-word board, or a tablet-based speech-generating device, adjusting symbols and layout as skills grow.
- Modelling (aided language input) — the therapist points to symbols while speaking, showing your child how the system maps to real words and ideas — the same way babies hear speech long before they talk.
- Motivating, play-based practice — choices during games, snacks, songs and favourite activities give your child genuine reasons to communicate: requesting, refusing, commenting, greeting.
- Building core vocabulary — high-use words like more, stop, go, want, help that unlock countless everyday messages.
- Parent coaching — you learn to model and respond at home, because the richest communication practice happens in everyday family life.
A myth worth clearing: research consistently shows AAC does not stop a child from speaking — for many children it actually encourages spoken words by reducing frustration and strengthening the link between thought and language.
When to seek a check
If your child is not yet using words or signs to communicate by the age you'd expect, becomes very frustrated trying to be understood, or relies mainly on crying or pulling you to things, a developmental and speech-language review helps. An early assessment lets a clinician see your child's strengths and decide whether AAC, spoken-language therapy, or both will help most.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an app or online form. From a precise communication profile, your child's speech therapy plan is shaped around how they communicate best. Explore more support across our [network](/).Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on AAC; American Academy of Pediatrics family resources (HealthyChildren.org); WHO ICD-11 framework for communication and language.Next step — Want to give your child a confident way to be heard? Book a speech-language assessment with a Pinnacle clinician.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Watch for a child not yet using words or signs to communicate by the expected age, heavy frustration when trying to be understood, or relying mainly on crying or pulling you towards what they want.
Try this at home
Model the tool yourself — when you offer a choice, point to the picture or press the symbol while you say the word, so your child sees how communication works without any pressure to perform.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Will AAC stop my child from learning to talk?
No. Research consistently shows AAC does not prevent or delay speech — for many children it actually supports spoken words by reducing frustration and strengthening the connection between ideas and language. AAC adds ways to communicate; it never takes speech away.
What kinds of AAC tools are used?
Tools range from gestures and sign, to picture cards and core-word communication boards, to tablet-based speech-generating apps and devices. The therapist chooses and adjusts the tool to fit your child's current skills and grows it over time.
Do I need to take part in the sessions?
Yes — and it makes a real difference. The richest communication practice happens in everyday family life, so the therapist coaches you to model and respond using the system at home, between sessions.