Augmentative and Alternative Communication
in Baton Rouge, LA
An important way that children learn and grow is by communicating their ideas to others. For children who struggle with speech or language, this can be a lot harder than it sounds. Communication challenges can lead to frustration, trouble handling daily tasks, and feeling left-out from social activities. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution that our experts at Dynamic Therapy Specialists can help your child learn to empower their voice. Keep reading to learn what augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is and how it can make a difference in your child’s life.
What Is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to a set of tools, strategies, and methods designed to support those who have difficulty communicating with others. AAC enables children to express themselves, interact with others, and participate more fully in everyday activities.
Examples of AAC Methods and Devices
AAC can include a wide range of techniques, from simple hand gestures and facial expressions to technological devices and software applications. Some of the most common types of AAC include:
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- American Sign Language
- Communication boards or charts
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
- Text-to-speech apps or software
- Symbol-based communication apps
Does My Child Need AAC?
Many children can benefit from AAC, either temporarily as they address speech and language delays or permanently if it becomes their primary mode of communication. Your child may benefit from AAC if they:
- Have difficulty speaking or producing clear speech sounds
- Experience challenges with expressive language development
- Are nonverbal or have limited verbal communication abilities
- Have been diagnosed with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or developmental delays
- Struggle to communicate effectively in various environments, including home, school, and social settings
How We Help Children Who Need AAC
At Dynamic Therapy Specialists, we take a holistic approach to pediatric therapy. Rather than simply teaching children how to compensate for the skills they struggle with, we take a bottom-up approach by focusing on remediation first. By evaluating the foundational areas of your child’s development, we can identify and address the root causes of their communication challenges to recommend the best method of AAC for their unique needs.
Think of it this way: you have to learn to walk before you can learn to run. It’s not that you can’t learn how to run, but if you never learned how to walk first, you’ll be missing the basics that you need to support learning how to run. By prioritizing skill remediation over compensation, we empower children to build a strong foundation for future growth and development.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
If your child is struggling with communication, our team at Dynamic Therapy Specialists will go above and beyond to help. Call us at (225) 767-5032 to schedule an evaluation, and let’s work together to improve your child’s quality of life.