What is AAC? A plain-language introduction
By AT & Rehab editorial
AAC means Augmentative and Alternative Communication — ways to communicate that add to or replace speech. It helps children and adults who find talking difficult to be understood.
A simple definition
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. "Augmentative" means adding to speech; "alternative" means used instead of speech. AAC includes anything that helps a person express themselves when talking is hard — from picture boards to apps that speak words aloud.
Who AAC helps
AAC supports people with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, motor-neurone disease, or after a stroke. It is useful for non-verbal children and for adults who lose speech later in life.
Low-tech and high-tech options
- Low-tech: picture cards, communication books, and symbol boards. No battery needed, low cost, and a good place to start.
- Mid- and high-tech: apps on a phone or tablet that turn symbols or typed text into spoken words, and dedicated speech-generating devices with eye-gaze control for people who cannot use their hands.
A common myth
Many families worry that using AAC will stop a child from learning to talk. Research and clinical experience point the other way: giving a reliable way to communicate usually reduces frustration and often supports speech development.
How to begin
Start with a needs assessment and, where possible, guidance from a speech and language therapist. Try a free app before buying a dedicated device — many Indian families begin with Jellow, which is free and supports Indian languages, before moving to a larger vocabulary tool like Avaz.