# What are speech-generating devices?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-are-speech-generating-devices
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

Speech-generating devices (SGDs) are electronic AAC tools — dedicated devices or tablet apps — that speak aloud the words, symbols or letters a child selects. They give a reliable voice to children who can't rely on natural speech, and evidence shows they support rather than hinder spoken language. The right device is chosen with a speech-language therapist.

*When words don't come easily, a device can give a child a powerful, reliable voice.*

## In short
Speech-generating devices (SGDs) are electronic tools that produce spoken words for a child who cannot rely on natural speech to be understood. A child selects pictures, symbols, words or letters — by touch, by pointing, or even by eye gaze — and the device speaks the message aloud. They are one form of **AAC** (augmentative and alternative communication), and they support, rather than replace, a child's own developing speech. Far from holding speech back, evidence shows AAC tends to encourage it.

## What they look like and how they help
An SGD can be a dedicated communication device or an app running on a tablet. They range widely:

- **Simple, single-message buttons** — press once to say one phrase ("I want more").
- **Grid-based symbol systems** — pages of pictures or symbols a child combines into sentences.
- **Text-to-speech keyboards** — for children who can spell, typing turns into speech.
- **Eye-gaze or switch-access devices** — for children with significant motor differences, so a look or a single switch press becomes a spoken word.

The right device depends entirely on your child's vision, motor skills, language level and interests — which is why an SGD is chosen *with* a speech-language therapist, never bought off a shelf and hoped for. A well-matched device reduces frustration, opens up choice-making, and gives a child a dependable way to be heard at home and at school.

## The Pinnacle way
AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — never from an app or an online form. Choosing the right communication path begins there: our [speech therapy team](/speech-therapy) explores AAC options alongside your child's natural communication, guided by a clear [starting point you can understand](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated). [Start here](/) to learn how we build a voice that fits your child.

## Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on augmentative and alternative communication; WHO framing of communication as a core area of child functioning.

**Next step —** Wondering whether an SGD could help your child? [Book an assessment with a Pinnacle clinician](/speech-therapy).

This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

## Sources
- ASHA: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
- WHO: communication and child functioning: https://www.who.int

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Support: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/support
- Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen
- Book Assessment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/book-assessment
- Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment

## Related question paths

### Understand the subject
- What is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac

### Explore therapy & support
- What communication options help a non-speaking child with DLD?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-communication-options-help-a-non-speaking-child-with-developmental-language-disorder
- Does my child with Speech and Language Delay need AAC?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-my-child-with-speech-and-language-delay-need-aac-or-a-communication-device
- What is AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-aac-augmentative-and-alternative-communication
- What communication options help a non-speaking child with Autism Spectrum?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-communication-options-help-a-non-speaking-child-with-autism-spectrum
- What communication options help a non-speaking child with Speech and Language Delay?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-communication-options-help-a-non-speaking-child-with-speech-and-language-delay
- Are tablets useful for children with special needs?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-tablets-useful-for-children-with-special-needs
- AAC Apps for Non-Speaking Children: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/are-there-apps-that-help-non-speaking-children-communicate
- Can AAC help a child who is minimally verbal?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-aac-help-a-child-who-is-minimally-verbal
- Can educational apps actually help my child learn?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-educational-apps-actually-help-my-child-learn
- Can my child use both speech and AAC together?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/can-my-child-use-both-speech-and-aac-together
- Does screen time cause speech delay?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-screen-time-cause-speech-delay
- Does using picture cards help my child talk?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/does-using-picture-cards-help-my-child-talk