Speech pathology
AAC for children who are non-speaking or hard to understand
Every child has something to say. Augmentative and alternative communication — AAC — is the term for the tools that let a child say it when speech alone is not enough: picture symbols, communication books, signs, speech-generating apps on a tablet, or a mix of several.
Our speech pathologists set up and support AAC for children across Ipswich and Springfield. We bring access, empathy and hope to this work, because being able to communicate changes almost everything else about a child’s day.
Who AAC is for
AAC is not only for children who will never speak. It is for any child whose speech does not yet meet their needs — children who are not talking yet, children whose speech is too unclear to be understood by most people, children who lose words when they are upset or tired, and children who manage a few words but need far more than that to say what they actually mean.
Some children use AAC for a period and move away from it as speech develops. Others use it for life. Both are fine outcomes, and neither is a failure.
Signs AAC might help
- Your child is not using words, or has very few, at an age where you expected more
- Their speech is so unclear that only you understand it
- Frustration, distress or behaviour that seems to be about not being understood
- Your child understands much more than they can say
- They are using gestures, leading you by the hand, or taking you to what they want
- Communication falls apart in new places or with unfamiliar people
- A condition such as cerebral palsy, a genetic condition or significant developmental delay is part of the picture
The myth worth clearing up
Families are often afraid that giving a child AAC will stop them talking. The research says the opposite: AAC does not hold speech back, and for many children it supports speech developing. Giving your child a way to communicate now does not close any doors.
The other thing worth knowing is that AAC only works if the people around the child use it too. A device in a bag is not communication, so coaching the adults around your child is part of the work rather than an extra.
How our speech pathologists help
We work out what your child needs to say, to whom, and in what situations, then match that against what each system can do — a process called feature matching. We trial options rather than guessing, because the right system is the one your child actually uses. Once something is working, we teach it: modelling it ourselves constantly, coaching you and your child’s educators, and building vocabulary over time. Where funding applies, we write the reports to support it. This sits within our speech pathology service.
What an assessment involves
An AAC assessment is less about testing your child and more about finding the right fit. In our rooms or we come to you. We would rather take our time than hand over a system that ends up unused in a bag.
- A communication inventory. We map everything your child already does to communicate — sounds, gestures, body language, behaviour, any words — because all of it counts and none of it gets taken away.
- How much your child understands. What your child takes in shapes what system will work, so we check rather than assume.
- How your child will access it. Pointing, touch or a switch, and anything about vision, hearing or movement we should design around. Where that needs a specialist opinion we will say so and point you to one.
- What your child needs to say, and to whom. We ask you where communication matters most and who your child most wants to talk to, then compare that against what different systems can do — rather than starting from a favourite product.
- Trying things out. Your child tries the options we can get hold of, and we go with the one they actually use.
- Teaching it to the adults. We coach you, and your child's educators if you would like us to, and keep building the vocabulary as you go.
Not every child needs every step. We will tell you what we think is worth doing and what is not, before we start.
If funding is needed, we prepare the assessment report and recommendations required, and we will tell you honestly what the process usually involves.
Where we see children
- In our Springfield rooms
- In our Raceview rooms
- At home
- At daycare, kindy or school
- In the community
Frequently asked questions
Will AAC stop my child learning to talk?
No. This is the question we are asked most, and the evidence is clear and consistent: AAC does not prevent speech developing, and in many children it supports it. Giving your child a way to be understood now does not cost them anything later.
Is my child too young for AAC?
Almost certainly not. Children can start with AAC as toddlers, in the same way that any child starts communicating long before they can speak in sentences. Waiting until a child is 'ready' usually just means waiting.
Do we have to choose between a device and picture cards?
No. Most children end up with more than one option, because no single system suits every situation. A paper book works in the bath and when the battery is flat; a device carries far more vocabulary. We plan for the whole week, not one setting.
Ready to give your child a way to be heard?
We’ll partner with you to create a plan that works for your family — with access, empathy and hope.
Request an appointment Speech pathologyOr call 0480 841 300 · hello@accesstotherapy.com.au