AAC for your toddler
Get started early
What is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication
AAC is a tool, strategy, support, or any communication that is used in place of or in addition to spoken word
AAC devices can be no tech devices such as communication boards and visual schedules, low tech devices such as a switch button (pictured left), or higher tech devices such as IPAD applications or devices specifically for communication.
Why AAC?
AAC Devices can provide many benefits for children who may eventually acquire spoken words. Research shows:
AAC helps children develop language and verbal speech faster
Using AAC promotes language and literacy skills
AAC gives children a visual and auditory representation of vocabulary words
AAC shows children that words have meaning
AAC has been shown to reduce behavioral issues that are a result of frustration
Visual representations improve children's understanding of words
"Giving every child a chance to reach their full potential is the best work anyone can do."
Hillary Clinton
Frequently Asked Questions
Will having AAC goals stop us from working on verbal communication goals?
Absolutely not. Research has shown AAC can actually aid in spoken language acquisition.
Can we still use a device if my child has a fine motor, visual, or physical impairment?
Yes! We can work with your OT and/or PT to insure your family has the best option for them.
Will my child be able to use this device at school or daycare?
Of course! Many teachers are already familiar with AAC devices, however we can set up trainings as well.
Contact Me
Hello! My name is Lori Davis and I am a Speech Pathologist working in early intervention. I also hold a master's degree in Deaf Education and Early Intervention. I created this site to help parents who were struggling with whether to choose AAC for their family.
I hope you enjoyed reviewing my project - please get in touch if you want to hear more!
Learn More
My Sources
Barker, R. M., Akaba, S., Brady, N. C., & Thiemann-Bourque, K. (2013). Support for AAC use in preschool, and growth in language skills, for young children with developmental disabilities. Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985), 29(4), 334–346. https://doi.org/10.3109/07434618.2013.848933
DavidoffMS, Beth E., et al. “Aac with Energy-Earlier.” The ASHA Leader, leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.FTR2.22012017.48.
"Effects of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on Speech Production in Children With Autism: A Systematic Review" by Ralf W. Schlosser and Oliver Wendt in American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, August 2008, Vol. 17, 212-230. doi:10.1044/1058-0360(2008/021)
Elsahar, Y., Hu, S., Bouazza-Marouf, K., Kerr, D., & Mansor, A. (2019). Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Advances: A Review of Configurations for Individuals with a Speech Disability. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 19(8), 1911. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19081911
Hartmann, Amanda, and . “Do's and Don'ts of Aac - Modeling.” AssistiveWare, www.assistiveware.com/blog/dos-and-donts-aac-modeling.
Janice Light, David McNaughton, David Beukelman, Susan Koch Fager, Melanie Fried-Oken, Thomas Jakobs & Erik Jakobs (2019): Challenges and opportunities in augmentative and alternative communication: Research and technology development to enhance communication and participation for individuals with complex communication needs, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, DOI: 10.1080/07434618.2018.1556732
https://leader.pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/leader.MIW.22022017.38
Shanahan, Alyssa. “Aac: Low/No- vs. High-Tech.” Simply Special Ed, 16 Nov. 2020, www.simplyspecialed.com/aac-low-no-versus-high-tech/.
Tobii Dynavox. AAC Myths Revealed.
https://www.tobiidynavox.com/globalassets/downloads/aac-myths/myths-aac-and-speech.pdf
“What Is Aac?” AssistiveWare, www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/what-is-aac.