# What is the difference between speech and language therapy and AAC for children? Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-the-difference-between-speech-and-language-therapy-and-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-for-children Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited Speech and language therapy is the broad professional field that helps a child understand and use communication — building comprehension, spoken words, sentences and social use of language. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is one set of tools within that field — signs, picture boards or speech-generating devices — that supplement or replace speech so a child can communicate now. AAC is not a replacement for talking; evidence shows it often supports speech rather than hindering it, which is why therapists frequently use both together. *When a child struggles to talk, families often hear two terms — speech and language therapy, and AAC — and wonder whether they must choose between them. The good news: they work hand in hand.* ## In short Speech and language therapy (SLT) is the broad professional field that helps a child understand and use communication — building spoken words, sentences, sounds, comprehension and social use of language. **Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)** is one set of tools *within* that field: methods that supplement or replace speech, such as picture boards, sign, or speech-generating devices, so a child can communicate now while their skills grow. AAC is not a last resort or a replacement for talking — it is a bridge that, evidence shows, often *supports* speech development rather than holding it back. ## How they relate Think of speech and language therapy as the whole garden, and AAC as one set of well-chosen tools used in it. A speech and language therapist assesses how your child understands language (receptive), expresses it (expressive), produces speech sounds, uses voice, and connects socially — then builds a plan. For many children that plan centres on spoken language. For a child who is non-speaking, minimally verbal, or who finds speech effortful or unreliable, the therapist may introduce **AAC** so the child has a dependable way to make choices, ask, refuse, comment and connect *today*. AAC ranges from **unaided** methods (gestures, signing, facial expression — using only the body) to **aided** methods, which can be *low-tech* (picture cards, communication books, choice boards) or *high-tech* (tablet apps and dedicated speech-generating devices). A common worry is that giving a child AAC will stop them trying to talk. Research consistently finds the opposite: well-introduced AAC tends to *reduce* frustration and often *increases* spoken attempts, because communication finally succeeds. AAC is therefore frequently delivered as part of speech and language therapy, not instead of it. ## When each comes into play Almost every child seen for communication concerns begins with a speech and language assessment. The therapist decides whether the focus is on developing speech, on introducing AAC, or — very often — on doing both together. AAC is considered when a child has little or no functional speech, when speech is hard for others to understand, or when a child needs a reliable way to communicate while spoken language develops at its own pace. The aim is always the same: give your child the most effective way to be understood. ## The Pinnacle way This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our therapists assess your child's understanding, expression and communication needs together, then shape a plan that may blend [speech therapy](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) with the right AAC tools — so your child has a voice while their skills keep growing. Explore the full picture on our [home page](/). ## Trusted sources The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association explains AAC as a component of communication support and addresses the myth that it hinders speech; the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren describe early communication development and when to seek a speech-language evaluation. **Next step —** If your child finds talking hard or is not yet using words, book a speech and language screening — we will guide you on whether speech-building, AAC, or both will help your child communicate best. ## Sources - ASHA — Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/ - HealthyChildren (AAP) — early language development: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Language-Development-1-Year-Olds.aspx - American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org/ ## Connected topics and perspectives - Therapies: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/therapies - Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent - Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication - Definition: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/definition - Screen: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/lifecycle/screen - Speech Therapy: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/route/speech-therapy - Early Clarity: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/early_clarity ## Related question paths ### Understand the subject - Speech and language therapy vs AAC: which does my child need?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/should-my-child-have-speech-and-language-therapy-or-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac - What is augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac - How does AAC help a child develop?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-does-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-help-a-child-develop ### Explore therapy & support - Is AAC the right therapy for speech and language delay?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-the-right-therapy-for-a-child-with-speech-and-language-delay - Is AAC the right therapy for a non-verbal or minimally verbal child?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/is-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-the-right-therapy-for-a-child-with-non-verbal-minimally-verbal-presentation - What is AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)?: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-aac-augmentative-and-alternative-communication