The What, Who, When, Where, and Why of AAC

Progressive Pediatric Therapy • October 5, 2023

October is AAC awareness month. So, in honor of this month, we will be sharing weekly posts on AAC to bring you all the information you need to know on how to get started.

Ready?

Set.

A green sign with the word go and an arrow pointing to the right

What is an AAC device?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are different systems that children and adults with complex communication needs can use to communicate besides speaking.

Let’s break down what each of these words mean:

  • Augmentative: to make greater

AAC systems are not always used by people who cannot communicate verbally, but also by those who need to supplement their speech and language skills.

  • Alternative: offering or expressing a choice 

While people usually think about communication as only spoken , the truth is that it comes in many different shapes and forms. Some of these include: written expression, gestures and signs, body language, apps, and dedicated communication devices. 

  • Communication: a process through which information is exchanged

We will be talking a lot about children with complex communication needs. We have already defined what communication means, but what does it mean to have a complex communication need? Well, these are individuals who cannot meet their communication needs (i.e., exchange information with communication partners) using verbal communication, but instead, need additional assistance to get their thoughts, wants, and needs across. This assistance is where AAC systems come in!

Who needs an AAC device?

AAC systems are used by people of all ages, from children as young as 2 and 3 years of age to elderly adults. 

They can be used as a temporary solution to difficulties in communication, such as right after surgery or when recovering from an accident, to a life-long communication system for individuals with a variety of diagnoses. 

Some common diagnoses that may benefit from an AAC system include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder,
  • Childhood Apraxia of Speech,
  • Down Syndrome,
  • Cerebral Palsy,
  • Other genetic conditions,
  • Developmental disabilities,
  • Acquired disorders, such as those caused by traumatic brain injuries and strokes,
  • Progressive disorders, such as ALS and MS,
  • And many more!

Why should my child get one?

AAC systems provide a way for individuals with complex communication needs to exchange information in ways they couldn’t before.

Using an AAC can allow your child to:

  • Decrease frustration due to inability to communicate,
  • Become active participants in social activities with family and same age peers,
  • Form deeper and better relationships with other people,
  • Express themselves and let their wants and needs be known,
  • Have access to better healthcare, as they can communicate whether they are in pain or not feeling well,
  • Have increased autonomy and independence,
  • And many more!

When should someone get an AAC system?

There are no prerequisites or age restrictions to use an AAC system! 

Any child or adult who has complex communication needs, regardless of age, cognitive skills, motor or physical difficulties, language skills, and language spoken, can and should be considered for an AAC. 

However, it is important to have an evaluation completed in order to figure out which kind of AAC system is best and most suitable for each individual. As with many things, AAC is not a one size fits all solution, but one where the strengths of each individual should be taken into account to know which system would fit best.

Where can my child get one?

Speech-Language Pathologists receive training in AAC systems and are who you should contact if you are interested or think your child could benefit from one. They will guide you through the process and work with you and your child to learn how to use it.

Interested in finding out more about the different kinds of AAC? 

Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for upcoming blogs throughout October!

Treadmill Training for Children With Cerebral Palsy: What Improved, What Didn't, and Why That Matters

By Aimee Brueck • September 4, 2026
Does treadmill training help children with cerebral palsy walk better? South Florida families trust Progressive Pediatric Therapy for expert pediatric physical therapy in South Florida. Our licensed therapists break down a 2025 randomized trial. Schedule an evaluation today.

Gestalt Language Processing and NLA: What Every Parent Should Know Before Starting Therapy

By Aimee Brueck • September 2, 2026
A 2025 peer-reviewed commentary examines the evidence behind Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and the NLA protocol. Progressive Pediatric Therapy breaks down the concerns, the common ground, and what it means for families in Palm Beach County.

Does Balance Training Actually Work for Kids With Developmental Delays? A 2026 Review of 22 Trials

August 28, 2026
Does balance training help children with developmental delays? South Florida families choose Progressive Pediatric Therapy for expert pediatric physical therapy in South Florida. Our licensed therapists explain a new 2026 meta-analysis of 22 trials. Schedule an evaluation today.

Supporting Premature Infants: Guidance for Families of Babies Born Early

By Aimee Brueck • August 28, 2026
When a baby arrives earlier than expected, the first weeks and months can bring both joy and uncertainty. Families often leave the NICU or hospital with important instructions — but also many questions about their baby’s development. Parents may find themselves wondering: “Should my baby be rolling, smiling, or eating more by now?” These questions are very common for families of premature infants. Many concerns fall into a gray area between needing formal therapy and simply needing expert reassurance and guidance. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Guiding Growth Program provides proactive developmental support for premature and medically complex infants — helping families understand their baby’s development while building confidence during the first year.

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for a Child With Severe Apraxia of Speech? What the 2026 Research Actually Says

By Aimee Brueck • August 26, 2026
What does apraxia of speech look like years from now? South Florida families trust Progressive Pediatric Therapy for pediatric speech therapy in South Florida. Our licensed speech-language pathologists break down the newest 2026 research. Schedule an evaluation today.

Guiding Growth in Your Baby’s First Year: Support for Every Milestone

By Aimee Brueck • August 25, 2026
The first year of a baby’s life is filled with rapid growth and change. From their first smiles and rolls to sitting, crawling, and early communication, each stage brings exciting milestones — and sometimes questions for parents. Many families find themselves wondering if their baby is developing as expected or if there’s something they should be doing to support the next stage. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Guiding Growth Program provides expert guidance for families during the first year of life, offering milestone monitoring, practical strategies, and reassurance as babies grow and develop.

The Power of the Pen: Why Cursive Handwriting Still Matters

By Aimee Brueck • August 21, 2026
In a world filled with screens, typing, and digital learning, handwriting — especially cursive — is becoming less common in many classrooms. Yet handwriting remains one of the most powerful tools for learning. Writing by hand connects movement, memory, and meaning in ways that typing simply cannot. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Cursive Handwriting Program helps children strengthen the physical and cognitive skills behind writing while rediscovering the joy of putting pen to paper.

Helping Kids Move with Confidence: Supporting Strength, Coordination, and Active Play

By Aimee Brueck • August 18, 2026
In today’s technology-driven world, many children are moving less than previous generations. While screens and busy schedules can make life easier in some ways, they also mean fewer opportunities for children to build the movement skills their bodies need. Parents often notice when movement feels harder for their child — whether it’s riding a bike, keeping up with peers, or participating in active play. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Movement Wellness Visit helps families understand how movement supports development and provides simple, realistic ways to build strength, coordination, and confidence through everyday play.

Understanding Your Child’s Movement and Sensory Style: Supporting Sensorimotor Development

By Aimee Brueck • August 14, 2026
Every child experiences the world in their own unique way. Some children love to climb, jump, and explore everything around them, while others prefer quieter activities or take longer to warm up to new types of play. For parents, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether these differences are simply personality or signs that a child may need extra support. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Sensorimotor Wellness Visit helps families better understand how their child moves, explores, and processes the world — while providing practical strategies to support healthy development through play and everyday routines.

Growing Up Bilingual: Supporting Language Development in Multilingual Families

By Aimee Brueck • August 4, 2026
Many families today raise children in homes where more than one language is spoken. While this is a wonderful gift, it can also bring questions and concerns about speech and language development. Parents often wonder if learning multiple languages will confuse their child or delay speech. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, our Bilingual Language Wellness Visit helps families understand what typical bilingual development looks like and provides practical strategies to nurture every language their child speaks with confidence.