Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)

At Day by Day Early Intervention, we believe all communication is valid.
AAC is not a last resort – it is a powerful tool that supports connection, participation, and confidence.
AAC can support children to communicate now, while continuing to develop speech and language over time.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes any method that supports or replaces spoken communication, such as:

• • Gestures and body language
  • Key word sign
  • Picture-based communication
  • Visual supports
  • Communication boards
  • Speech-generating devices
  • Apps and high-tech systems

AAC supports children to express:

• • Wants and needs
  • Thoughts and ideas
  • Feelings and preferences
  • Social interaction
  • Participation in learning and play

We use a routines-based, participation-focused AAC approach, meaning AAC is embedded into:

• • Everyday routines
  • Play
  • Mealtimes
  • Transitions
  • School and childcare activities
  • Family life

AAC is about connection, not compliance.

Using AAC:

• • Does not stop speech development
  • Often supports spoken language growth
  • Reduces frustration
  • Builds confidence and autonomy

AAC may support children who:

• • Have limited or unclear speech
  • Are autistic
  • Have motor speech difficulties
  • Have developmental delays
  • Experience communication frustration
  • Understand more than they can say
  • Need support to participate socially

AAC can be short-term or long-term, depending on the child.

AAC support may include:

• • Comprehensive communication assessment
  • Identifying the most appropriate AAC systems
  • Modelling AAC during play and routines
  • Coaching parents and educators
  • Supporting AAC use across environments
  • Collaboration with schools and childcare
  • Ongoing review and adjustment

We focus on functional communication — not just device use.

• • 📍 Clinic-based sessions
  • 🚗 Mobile and community-based therapy
  • 🏫 School and childcare collaboration

AAC works best when everyone supports communication together.

• • Strengths-based and neuroaffirming
  • Practical, everyday AAC use
  • Clear coaching for families and educators
  • Respectful of each child’s communication style
  • Focus on participation, not performance

If you’re wondering whether AAC may support your child, we’re here to help.

👉 Submit our Referral Form or contact our team to discuss assessment and next steps.

We are happy to help you decide if AAC support is appropriate.

📞 Phone: 0460 885 008
📧 Email: [email protected]
📋Contact Us form: Found below!

🌱 Helping children grow, connect & thrive — day by day.

Explore our Speech Pathology services.

Read about our Occupational Therapy support.

See how we partner with families on our Working Together page.

Find out how we set meaningful therapy goals on our Setting Goals page.

Explore all of our Therapy Services.

Learn more about our Assessment & Reporting process.