augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
What goals does AAC work on?
AAC works on functional goals — requesting, making choices, expanding vocabulary, social connection, understanding others and reducing frustration — using pictures, symbols, signs or speech devices, and often supports natural speech 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 are hard to come by, AAC gives your child a reliable way to be heard — and the goals it works on reach far beyond "speaking".
In short
AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) works towards one big goal — letting your child express themselves reliably — through pictures, symbols, signs, communication boards or speech-generating devices. Along the way it builds real, everyday skills: requesting what they want, making choices, joining conversations, growing vocabulary and connecting with the people they love. AAC does not stop a child from talking; the evidence shows it often supports spoken language to develop.The goals AAC works on
- Functional requesting — asking for food, toys, help or a break, so frustration falls and your child learns their voice changes their world.
- Making choices and decisions — pointing or selecting between options builds early autonomy and self-advocacy.
- Expanding vocabulary and language — moving from single symbols to combining words, building sentences and richer meaning over time.
- Social connection — greeting, commenting, sharing, asking questions and taking turns with family, peers and teachers.
- Understanding (receptive language) — symbols and visual supports help a child grasp what others are saying, not just respond.
- Reducing distress behaviours — when a child can communicate a need, behaviour driven by frustration often eases.
- Supporting natural speech — AAC is a bridge, not a barrier; many children vocalise more when the pressure to "perform" speech is removed.
Goals are always shaped to your individual child — their interests, their environment, and the people they most want to talk to.
How goals are chosen
A speech-language pathologist looks at what your child already does to communicate, what they most want and need to say, and which tools fit their abilities. Goals start small and meaningful — often a single powerful word like "more" or "stop" — then grow. The whole family is coached, because AAC works best when it travels home, to school and everywhere your child goes.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 there your child receives a clear communication profile and an AAC plan built into their speech therapy programme, shaped to their strengths. Explore more about how we support [children and families](/) across our network.Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on AAC and communication goals; WHO ICD-11 framing of communication development; American Academy of Pediatrics family resources (HealthyChildren.org).Next step — Want to find the right voice for your child? Book a communication 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 who understands more than they can say, points or pulls to communicate, shows frustration when not understood, or has very few or no spoken words past expected ages.
Try this at home
Model AAC yourself — point to the picture or press the button as you say the word, so your child sees communication happen naturally, with no pressure to copy.
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 using AAC stop my child from learning to talk?
No. Research consistently shows AAC does not hinder speech — many children actually vocalise more once the pressure to speak eases and they have a reliable way to communicate. AAC acts as a bridge to language, not a replacement for it.
What kinds of AAC tools are there?
AAC ranges from low-tech options like pictures, symbol boards and signs to high-tech speech-generating devices and apps. A speech-language pathologist helps choose what fits your child's abilities, needs and daily life.
At what age can AAC begin?
AAC can begin early, often in the toddler years, whenever a child needs more reliable ways to communicate than speech alone allows. Starting early can reduce frustration and support overall language growth.