When children are unable to effectively communicate their wants and needs verbally alternative forms of communication are utilized. These forms have a wide range, including anything that is not verbal communication.
Unaided (no materials required)
- Facial expressions
- Vocalizations (non-speech)
- Sign Language
Aided (materials required)
- Communication Flip books
- Pictures (schedules and also protocols such as “PECS”)
- Letter boards (letters on a board where the person spells out their thoughts)
- Switches (a button that is pushed to say a single message or activate a toy)
- Speech Generating Devices (SGDs are high technology devices used for communication. They often look like computers. These types of devices include, but are not limited to: GoTalk, Vantage, Sping Board, or Dynovox systems.)
If you feel your child could benefit from AAC please discuss it with your speech-language pathologist or primary care physician.
Amy Grant, M.S., CCC-SLP scri