Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac)
What is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a set of tools and strategies that support or replace spoken language so a child can express themselves. Augmentative means adding to existing speech; alternative means offering another route when speech is very limited. AAC ranges from gestures and picture cards to tablet apps and speech-generating devices — and, far from stopping speech, it is consistently linked with gains in spoken language.
When words don't come easily, communication still can — through pictures, symbols, signs and speech-generating devices that give every child a voice.
In short
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a set of tools and strategies that support or replace spoken language so a child can express their needs, thoughts and personality. Augmentative means adding to whatever speech a child already has; alternative means offering another route when speech is very limited or not yet emerging. AAC ranges from simple picture cards and gestures to tablet apps and speech-generating devices — and, crucially, it does not stop a child learning to talk; research shows it often encourages spoken language to grow.What AAC looks like
AAC is usually grouped into two broad families. Unaided AAC uses only the body — gestures, facial expression, key-word signing and pointing. Aided AAC uses something external, which can be low-tech (picture boards, communication books, symbol cards) or high-tech (tablet apps and dedicated speech-generating devices that 'speak' when a child selects words or symbols). A speech and language therapist helps choose and personalise the right system for each child, building a vocabulary that fits their world — family names, favourite foods, play, feelings — and coaching the people around the child to model and respond. AAC suits many children: those who are minimally verbal, autistic children, children with cerebral palsy, apraxia of speech, or developmental delays affecting talking.A common worry, gently answered
Many families ask whether giving a child a 'shortcut' to communicate will make them stop trying to talk. The evidence is reassuring: AAC reduces the frustration of not being understood, builds the back-and-forth of communication, and is consistently linked with gains in spoken language, not losses. Think of AAC as a bridge that carries a child across to richer communication — by any means available — while speech continues to develop alongside it.The Pinnacle way
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, never from an app or form. Our speech therapy teams assess how your child communicates today, then introduce AAC as part of a warm, individualised plan that grows with them. Explore more about supportive communication on our [home pathway](/).Trusted sources
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on AAC systems and their role in supporting communication; the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren on supporting language development in children who are late to talk.Next step — If your child finds spoken words hard, book a speech and language screen to explore whether AAC could give them a confident, joyful voice.
What to watch
A child who struggles to be understood, becomes frustrated when communicating, uses few or no spoken words by age expectations, or relies mainly on pointing, leading you by the hand, or crying to express needs — all worth a gentle speech and language review.
Try this at home
Model AAC yourself: when you offer a picture card, symbol or sign, say the word aloud at the same time. Children learn communication by seeing the people around them use it — so use AAC together, not just hand it over.
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. This is the most common worry, and the evidence is reassuring. AAC reduces the frustration of not being understood and builds the back-and-forth of communication, and research consistently links it with gains in spoken language — not losses. AAC works as a bridge to richer communication while speech continues to develop alongside it.
What is the difference between unaided and aided AAC?
Unaided AAC uses only the body — gestures, facial expression, key-word signing and pointing. Aided AAC uses something external, which can be low-tech (picture boards, communication books, symbol cards) or high-tech (tablet apps and speech-generating devices that 'speak' when a child selects words or symbols).
Which children might benefit from AAC?
AAC can help many children, including those who are minimally verbal, autistic children, and children with cerebral palsy, apraxia of speech or developmental delays affecting talking. A speech and language therapist helps choose and personalise the right system for each child.