AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC means all of the ways that someone communicates beside talking. Augmentative means adding to someone's speech and Alternative means using something instead of speech. There are different types of AAC - some that we see and use everyday, some that you may be less familiar with. AAC can include sign language, picture boards or high-tech speech generating devices. These tools can help to make it easier for your child to express themselves if they have trouble communicating with spoken words.

Research shows that AAC does not delay or prevent children from using speech. In fact, AAC can have a positive impact on your child's language growth. 

Check out the printable resources below and start using AAC with your child today! 

Choice boards present your child with options between two or more items, such as snack options. Be prepared to provide either choice immediately!

Individual photographs of choices such as food boxes can be a helpful starting point for children that are just beginning with using visuals. Click here to create your own choice board.

Core words (or core vocabulary) are a small set of high-frequency words that make up 70–90% of everything we say, write, or communicate daily. They are flexible, functional words used across contexts, including verbs ("go," "get"), pronouns ("you," "it"), and prepositions ("in," "on"). Core boards come in all shapes and sizes! Click here for one to get you started.

Flip and talk boards provide both core and fringe vocabulary. The flip and talk board allows children to flip through the different pages, pointing to core and/or fringe symbols to communicate. Click here for a printable option shared by Thames Valley Children's Centre.

Activity boards are pictures of common objects and actions. Since these are focused on a single activity they can be placed in different areas of the room or paired with toys/games. Click here to find an activity your child likes.

A topic‑repair board is a low‑tech communication tool that helps listeners clarify and narrow down the topic of a speaker’s message—especially when the speaker has unclear or unstructured communication. So conversations can continue with better understanding and less frustration. Click here for an example of a topic board.