Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac)
What techniques are used in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)?
AAC uses a flexible toolkit of techniques: unaided no-tech approaches (gestures, signs, eye gaze), aided low-tech tools (picture cards, communication boards, picture exchange) and aided high-tech options (speech-generating devices, AAC apps, switch and eye-gaze access). Most children use a multimodal mix chosen by a speech and language therapist, and AAC encourages rather than blocks spoken language. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
When words are hard to find, the right tools give your child a voice — and AAC is the whole toolkit, from a pointed finger to a talking tablet.
In short
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is not one single method — it is a flexible toolkit of techniques used to support or replace spoken words so a child can express needs, choices and ideas. These range from no-tech approaches (gestures, signs, facial expression) to low-tech tools (picture cards, communication boards, books) and high-tech options (speech-generating devices and apps). A speech and language therapist chooses and combines these to fit your child — and using AAC encourages spoken language, it does not hold it back.The techniques used in AAC
Unaided (no-tech) techniques — these use only the body, nothing external:- Gestures and body language — pointing, reaching, nodding.
- Manual signs — simple signing systems (such as Makaton-style key-word signing) paired with speech.
- Facial expression and eye gaze — looking towards a wanted object or person.
Aided low-tech techniques — simple physical tools, no battery needed:
- Picture and symbol cards — a child hands over or points to a picture to communicate.
- Communication boards and books — grids of symbols, photos or words a child selects from.
- Picture-exchange approaches — structured ways to teach a child to initiate by exchanging a symbol for what they want.
- Choice boards and visual schedules — supporting decisions and daily routines.
Aided high-tech techniques — electronic, voice-output tools:
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs) — press a symbol and the device speaks the word aloud.
- AAC apps on tablets — customisable symbol or text grids that talk.
- Switch access and eye-gaze technology — for children who cannot point with a finger, allowing selection by a button press or by looking.
Most children use a mix of these — often called a multimodal approach — chosen and built around your child's current abilities, then grown over time. The goal is always more communication, more often, in more places.
When to seek a check
Consider a speech and language assessment if your child is not using words by around 18–24 months, has very limited ways to make needs known, becomes frustrated trying to communicate, or has a diagnosis (such as autism, cerebral palsy or a developmental delay) where communication support would help. AAC can begin early — there is no minimum spoken-word requirement, and it is never "too soon" to give a child a way to be heard.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, a speech and language therapist builds a communication and developmental profile and matches the right AAC techniques to your child through our speech therapy support. Explore how communication grows at [Pinnacle Blooms Network](/).Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidance on augmentative and alternative communication; World Health Organization guidance on assistive technology and communication; American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) developmental communication guidance.Next step — Want to find the right way for your child to be heard? 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 no words by around 18–24 months, very limited ways of making needs known, growing frustration when trying to communicate, or a diagnosis such as autism or cerebral palsy where communication support would help.
Try this at home
Pair every spoken word with a gesture or a picture during daily routines — point to the cup as you say "cup" — so your child always has more than one way to ask for what they want.
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 and clinical experience show AAC supports and often encourages spoken language by lowering frustration and giving a child a reliable way to communicate. It removes pressure, not motivation to speak.
What is the difference between no-tech, low-tech and high-tech AAC?
No-tech (unaided) techniques use only the body, such as gestures and signs. Low-tech tools are simple physical items like picture cards and communication boards. High-tech options are electronic, such as speech-generating devices and tablet apps that speak aloud.
At what age can AAC start?
There is no minimum age or spoken-word requirement. AAC can begin early in childhood, and giving a child a way to be heard is never "too soon" — a speech and language therapist will match techniques to your child's current abilities.
How does a therapist choose which AAC technique to use?
A speech and language therapist assesses your child's understanding, movement, vision and interests, then selects and combines techniques — often a multimodal mix — and adjusts them as your child grows.