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Therapy, communication and AAC
Therapy, Communication and AAC
Every child communicates in their own way. Communication may include speech, signs, gestures, symbols, objects, communication books or technology.
Our aim is to help every child have a meaningful way to understand others, express themselves, make choices and take part in everyday life.
Supporting Communication
Understand
Help your child understand what is happening, what is being said and what comes next.
Express
Give your child ways to express needs, choices, thoughts, feelings and ideas.
Participate
Support communication during learning, play, family life and activities in the community.
Be Heard
Give your child time and opportunities to communicate using the method that works for them.
Communication Is More Than Speech
Children communicate in many different ways. A Total Communication approach recognises and supports different ways of communicating.
These can include:
- Speech and words
- Facial expressions and body language
- Gestures and eye gaze
- Signing, including Makaton where appropriate
- Pictures and symbols
- Objects of reference
- Communication books or boards
- Vocalisations
- Electronic AAC devices
The important thing is that your child's communication is recognised, respected and supported.
What Is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
It describes ways of supporting or providing communication alongside or instead of speech.
AAC can be as simple as a gesture, picture or communication board, or it may involve a dedicated communication device or other technology.
If Your Child Uses AAC
Your child's communication system is there to help them communicate, not simply to complete activities.
At home you can help by:
- Giving your child time to communicate.
- Listening and responding to attempts to communicate.
- Keeping communication methods available when they are needed.
- Using familiar symbols, signs or vocabulary consistently.
- Giving genuine opportunities to make choices and express opinions.
- Sharing with school what works well at home.
You do not need to become an AAC expert. Ask the team supporting your child if you are unsure how best to use their communication system at home.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapists support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.
Where AAC is part of your child's communication, the Speech and Language Therapy team may work alongside your child, family, school staff and other professionals to support its use.
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology can help a child communicate, learn, access activities or become more independent.
It can include:
- Communication aids and AAC devices
- Tablets and accessible computers
- Switches and alternative ways of controlling technology
- Eye gaze technology
- Alternative keyboards and mice
- Software that supports communication or access
- Technology that supports greater independence
The right technology depends on the individual child. Speak to the school or therapy team if you think Assistive Technology might help your child.
Where Do I Start?
1. Talk to Us
Speak to the education or therapy team working with your child about the difficulties you have noticed.
2. Think About the Need
The starting point should be what your child wants or needs to do rather than choosing a particular device.
3. Find the Right Support
Some children can be supported locally while others may benefit from a specialist Assistive Technology or AAC service.
Find a Specialist Assistive Technology Service
NHS England commissions specialist Assistive Technology services for people with more complex communication or environmental control needs.
The national Service Finder can help identify the specialist service covering your area.
Specialised Assistive Technology Services ›
Find Your Local Specialist Service ›
London Assistive Technology and AAC Services
Specialist services vary depending on where your child lives and their individual needs.
Central London Assistive Communication Service
This NHS specialist AAC service supports children and adults with complex communication needs in a number of London boroughs, including Barnet.
The service provides specialist AAC assessment, equipment recommendations, initial training and setup.
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Great Ormond Street Hospital has a specialist Augmentative Communication Service for children.
Your child's professional team can advise whether a specialist AAC referral may be appropriate.
Which Service Covers My Child?
Ace Centre
Ace Centre is a UK charity specialising in AAC and Assistive Technology.
Ace Centre: Getting Started with AAC and ATng>
Questions You Can Ask Us
You might want to ask:
- What technology does my child currently use?
- What does the technology help my child to do?
- Can you show me how it is used?
- How can we support its use at home?
- Who should we contact if something stops working?
- Would further assessment be helpful?
The important thing is that technology supports your child's communication, access, learning or independence in a meaningful way.