A New Door for Non-Verbal Children: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Can you see in your child's eyes that they want to tell you something, yet the words just won't come — leaving you unable to fully understand what they need? When children cannot express themselves when they are thirsty, cannot reach a favorite toy, or are in pain, the resulting tantrums, crying, and withdrawal can be an extremely exhausting process for parents.
If you are worried about "how can I communicate with my child until they learn to speak," you are not alone. There is a remarkably powerful way to communicate with a non-verbal child, ease meltdowns, and open a new door into your child's world: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Let's take a closer look at how these methods — which we frequently rely on especially in language intervention for individuals with hearing impairment — can be life-changing at home.
What Is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
The "Alternative Communication" section within the Language Intervention module is used to meet the communication needs of individuals with limited verbal communication abilities and to support the development of their communication skills. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) encompasses every type of communication method that supplements or replaces spoken language.
In supporting alternative communication skills, it is recommended to use assistive technologies that include real object symbols or tactile symbols, as well as high-tech AAC devices that support multi-level responding and commenting. These tools can be categorized as follows:
Photographs and Picture Cards: Visuals depicting the child's basic needs.
Object-Based Tools: The use of real object symbols or tactile symbols for communication purposes.
Technological Devices (AAC Devices): Applications used after assessing the individual's level of interest in technology such as tablets, which produce speech output or allow visual selection.
What Communication Skills Are Developed Through AAC Tools?
These tools are not merely screens or pieces of paper — they are your child's "voice." By using an alternative communication device, your child develops the following critical skills:
Requesting: Your child uses the AAC device to request objects, actions, or information. (For example, they can request water by touching the picture of "water" on a tablet.)
Rejecting: Your child uses the AAC device to refuse an unwanted object, action, or information. (Instead of having a crying meltdown, they can show a "no" or "I don't want" card.)
Expressing Emotions: Your child uses the AAC device to answer questions and express their feelings and thoughts.
When a child discovers they can express themselves through these tools, their stress decreases; feeling understood, their irritability and tantrums give way to cooperation.
E-Rehabilitation: Turn Your Home Tablet into a "Speech Device"
Teaching your child to communicate using AAC devices may seem like a technical process, but with expert support, you can achieve remarkable results right at home.
As e-rehabilitasyon.com, through our online tele-therapy service, our specialist speech and language therapists reach you and your child directly via screen. Our specialist will guide you step by step on how to turn a tablet you already have at home, or simple picture cards printed from your printer, into effective communication tools.
During sessions, our therapist provides real-time coaching by saying things like: "Now, when your child wants juice, guide them to touch the juice picture on the tablet before you hand them the glass." In the safe and natural environment of your own home, your child experiences for the first time the magical feeling of communicating with you through pointing or touching a screen.
Are You Ready to Become Your Child's Voice?
If your child is not yet speaking and is experiencing behavioral outbursts, get support from our specialists to create a calm and communicative environment at home using alternative communication methods.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation for an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Assessment Now Plan