How can I incorporate AAC into my speech therapy sessions?
Many parents are surprised when I bring AAC into a session, especially if they’ve come to see me primarily for speech sound work.
They might wonder: ‘If we’re working on pronunciation, why are we using a communication device?’
The simple answer is this: speech therapy is about communication first, and speech sounds second. Supporting a child’s ability to express themselves clearly and confidently is always the priority, and AAC can be a powerful tool alongside spoken speech.
What do we mean by AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.
This can include:
- A speech-generating device (such as LAMP Words for Life or GRID as I used in the photo below)
- A communication app on a tablet
- A symbol board or communication book
- Gestures, signs, or visual supports
AAC does not replace speech. Instead, it supports language development, reduces frustration, and builds communication success while speech skills are developing.
But I mainly work on speech sounds… So how does AAC fit?
Most of the children I see are working on:
- Articulation difficulties
- Phonological delay
- Motor planning challenges (including apraxia/dyspraxia)
- Unclear speech affecting confidence
For these children, AAC isn’t a separate therapy. It’s simply woven naturally into what we are already doing.
If a child brings their device to sessions, I actively include it. If they don’t yet use AAC but could benefit from visual or symbolic support, I may introduce simple options within activities.
Using AAC to support speech practice
Let’s say we are working on early speech targets like: ‘GO’.
We might practise:
- Saying the word verbally
- Listening for the target sound
- Using play (TOY TRAIN GOING ROUND A TRACK)
Now we can extend this using AAC.
On the device or communication board, we might model: ‘LET’S GO’ or ‘IT’s GOING up the hill’.
This allows the child to:
- Practise their speech sound target
- Build a simple sentence
- Experience successful communication even if speech is not fully clear yet
All responses are valid and supported.
AAC helps children communicate more than they can say
Many children can understand and think in longer phrases than they can physically say.
For example:
- A child who verbally says single words may build longer phrases on AAC.
- A child who struggles to plan speech movements may use AAC to communicate smoothly while still practising verbal attempts.
- A child who becomes frustrated when misunderstood gains a reliable backup system.
Rather than slowing speech progress, AAC often:
- Reduces communication pressure
- Increases participation in therapy
- Encourages more attempts at speech
- Supports language growth
When children feel understood, they usually become more motivated to try speaking.
There are no ‘prerequisites’ for AAC
One of the biggest myths I hear is: ‘My child isn’t ready for AAC yet.’
In reality, children do not need to:
- Reach a certain speech level
- Use pictures first
- Prove they understand everything
- Show immediate interest
Instead, we presume competence and introduce AAC in meaningful, playful ways.
That means:
- Modelling words while blowing bubbles
- Commenting during playdough activities
- Choosing words during games
- Building simple phrases in shared reading
AAC should never feel like extra ‘work’. It’s simply another way to join in communication.
My goal is always the same: to help each child communicate as clearly, confidently, and successfully as possible, using every helpful tool available.
If your child uses AAC (or might benefit from it)
Please feel free to:
- Bring the device to sessions
- Show me how your child currently uses it
- Share advice from school or other therapists
I am very happy to incorporate AAC into our work together so that speech practice, language development, and real communication all move forward hand-in-hand. Because ultimately, therapy isn’t just about producing perfect sounds. It’s about helping your child be heard and understood.
If you’d like support or advice, please contact me and I can help guide the next steps.
Sonja McGeachie
Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
Owner of The London Speech and Feeding Practice.
Find a speech and language therapist for your child in London. Are you concerned about your child’s speech, feeding or communication skills and don’t know where to turn? Please contact me and we can discuss how I can help you or visit my services page.
