What happens during AAC sessions?

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

AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional — 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 — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.