Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools and strategies that support people who cannot rely on speech alone for all of their communication. AAC may include gestures, communication boards, picture systems, symbols or speech-generating devices. SpeakClearly provides AAC support for children and families in Johannesburg North.
Who may benefit from AAC?
AAC can be considered when a child’s speech does not currently meet all of their communication needs.
- Children with limited or unreliable spoken communication
- Children who understand more than they can express verbally
- Children who become frustrated because others cannot understand them
- Children who already use a device or communication system and need support using it functionally
AAC does not mean giving up on speech
AAC is designed to expand communication access. Depending on the child, therapy may support speech, language, AAC and communication-partner strategies together.
What AAC support can include
- Understanding the child’s current communication strengths and needs
- Exploring suitable low-tech or high-tech communication options
- Building functional vocabulary and message use
- Helping parents, teachers and other communication partners model AAC consistently
- Supporting carryover between home, school and therapy
Support across everyday environments
AAC works best when the people around the child understand how to make the system available and how to model its use without pressure. SpeakClearly can work alongside parents, educators and other professionals so the communication system is useful beyond the therapy room.
SpeakClearly’s team lists AAC and AAC-device support among its clinical areas of expertise, alongside paediatric speech-language therapy, school-based support and telehealth. Meet our clinical team.
Accessing this service in Johannesburg North
SpeakClearly is based in Jukskei Park and supports families from Fourways, Douglasdale, Lonehill, Bryanston, Sandton, Sunninghill, North Riding, Randburg and nearby Johannesburg North suburbs. Teletherapy is available separately for appropriate goals.
Ready to discuss an assessment?
Contact SpeakClearly to ask about the most appropriate assessment or therapy pathway for your concern.
Clinical standards & professional registration
See SpeakClearly’s professional registration and clinical standards and clinical content standards.