AAC is any form of communication that is not verbal speech. This can include signs, communication devices, gestures, facial expressions, and more! AAC truly is for anyone and everyone who is not able to access verbal communication. There are so many forms of communication devices, so there is something to suit every need and ability. Vision impairment? YES, you can use AAC! Fine or gross motor impairments? YES, you can use AAC! Hearing impairment? YES, you can use AAC! Let’s dig a little deeper!

Now that you know ANYONE can use AAC to access communication, let’s get a little more specific. Find the topic below that describes your child, and read about how AAC can support their communication!

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Many children with ASD are non-speaking. There are a variety of AAC devices that your child with ASD could use to enhance their communication skills. Your therapist will consider your child’s current communication modalities, preferences, and much more when helping find the perfect device to support their needs.

Cerebral Palsy (CP): CP can impact your child’s (or young adult’s) ability to access verbal speech. We can assess your child’s specific physical abilities to determine which type of AAC will best suit their needs. If your child has little voluntary control, we can use eye-gaze technology. YES, your child can communicate with their eyes! AAC is a powerful tool that truly makes communication a possibility and reality for all!

Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS): Children with a diagnosis of CAS can use AAC to communicate during their therapeutic journey towards using verbal speech.

Genetic Syndromes: There are a vast variety of genetic syndromes that can impact one’s ability to access verbal communication (i.e. Fragile X Syndrome, CHARGE Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, etc.). Depending on your child’s specific abilities, your therapist can work with you to find the perfect form of AAC for your communicator!

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBI’s can result in a variety of complications that could impact speech. We can trial AAC devices based on your specific needs to help you regain your communication!

If your child is unable to communicate verbally and you don’t see a section above that describes them, contact us to get more info related to your child’s specific abilities! AAC is truly for everyone, and we would love to work with you to pave the path towards communication for your child!