Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Therapy
Empowering non-speaking and minimally verbal children to communicate meaningfully — using PECS, speech generating devices, and total communication strategies in Rawalpindi, serving Askari, DHA, and Islamabad families.
What AAC Options Are Available?
Unaided AAC
Gestures, sign language, and body language — no external equipment needed. Excellent for early communicators and as a complement to other AAC systems.
Low-Tech AAC
Picture boards, communication books, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) — highly portable, durable, and effective as standalone systems or bridges to high-tech devices.
High-Tech AAC (SGDs)
Speech Generating Devices (tablets with AAC apps like Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, or Grid 3) that produce spoken output. Our SLPs conduct feature matching to find the right device for your child.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from AAC
- Child is non-verbal or minimally verbal (fewer than 20 functional words)
- Current verbal speech is not functional for meeting needs
- Child has Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, or other conditions affecting speech
- Child shows understanding (receptive language) but cannot express verbally
- Child is frustrated and having frequent communication breakdowns
- Existing AAC system is not being used effectively
What Our AAC Specialists Do
- Comprehensive AAC assessment: receptive language, motor skills, cognitive profile, and feature matching
- PECS Phase I–VI implementation and parent/teacher training
- High-tech AAC device trials and vocabulary programming (core + fringe words in Urdu & English)
- AAC system implementation across home, school, and community settings
- Total communication approach — combining all available modalities
- Regular progress monitoring and system adjustments
- Training for family members, teachers, and support staff
Common Questions About AAC
Will AAC stop my child from trying to talk?
This is a common myth — research consistently shows that AAC does not reduce or stop verbal speech. In fact, AAC often increases vocal output by reducing communication frustration. Every child's communication should be supported, regardless of whether they use speech or AAC.
When is the right time to start AAC?
There is no minimum age. We can begin AAC with toddlers as young as 12–18 months. Early access to AAC is associated with better language development outcomes. Do not wait until speech 'fails' — give your child a voice now.
Which AAC device or app do you recommend?
There is no universal 'best' device — it depends on your child's motor abilities, cognitive profile, literacy level, and daily environments. Our SLPs conduct a formal feature-matching assessment before recommending any system.
Do you train family members to use AAC?
Yes — this is essential. AAC only works if communication partners (parents, teachers, siblings) model it consistently throughout the day. We include AAC modelling training for all key communication partners as part of our programme.
Every Child Has a Voice — Let Us Find It
Serving families from Askari, DHA, Bahria Town, Khawaja Corporation, and all of Rawalpindi & Islamabad.