What Is AAC? A Guide for Parents

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. It includes any tool or method that helps a child communicate. AAC supports spoken language. It does not replace it. Many autistic or high support kids use AAC to share wants, needs, ideas, and feelings in a clear and safe way. AAC can be pictures, gestures, sign language, communication boards, or speech-generating devices. The goal is communication that feels easy and reliable for your child.

What AAC looks like
AAC helps your child express messages in a steady, organized way. Therapists model language by using AAC while they talk. This helps your child see how communication works. Studies show that aided language modeling increases expressive communication, vocabulary growth, and engagement (Andzik et al., 2018). Sessions take place through play, movement, and simple routines so communication feels natural.

Does AAC help speech?
Yes. Research consistently shows that AAC does not stop speech from developing. Instead, many children show increases in spoken words, verbal attempts, and overall language when AAC is introduced. A large review found that AAC interventions often lead to speech gains rather than delays (Millar et al., 2006). Another study reported that early AAC use improves spoken language outcomes for young autistic children and children with complex communication needs (Gevarter et al., 2020). These findings show that AAC supports both communication and speech development.

Why AAC works
AAC lowers frustration, opens more chances to communicate, and gives your child a reliable pathway to share messages. When children experience success with communication, they often use more skills across the day. AAC also supports social connection and helps children take more conversational turns (Holyfield et al., 2018).

Building language through play
Therapists use AAC during play and real life routines. Kids practice core words such as go, more, help, and want across many activities. Repetition of the same word in different contexts helps vocabulary development (e.g. “open”). Modeling and natural routines help children communicate in a wide range of settings and with many different communicative partners.

Parent coaching
Parents can use AAC during routines such as meals, playtime, rides in the car, and community outings. Studies show that family involvement strengthens communication gains and helps skills carry over at home and school.

Where to learn more
• ASHA AAC overview: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
• Practical AAC resources: https://praacticalaac.org
• CDC communication tools page: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/communication.html

References (APA)
Andzik, N. R., O’Neill, R. E., & Alper, S. (2018). Use of aided AAC modeling to support communication with children with complex communication needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 34(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2017.1423047
Gevarter, C., Lorah, E. R., Rojeski, L., & Zahorodny, W. (2020). AAC and speech development in children with autism. Autism and Developmental Language Impairments, 5. https://doi.org/10.1177/2396941520908696
Holyfield, C., Light, J., & Drager, K. (2018). Systematic review of AAC interventions for children with autism. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 34(3), 242–253. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30091568/
Millar, D. C., Light, J. C., & Schlosser, R. W. (2006). The impact of AAC intervention on speech production in children with autism or developmental disabilities. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248–264. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2006/021)