Services
Alternative and augmentative communication
AAC is for anyone who cannot communicate all of their thoughts and needs effectively. Children with autism, dysarthria, childhood apraxia of speech, and many other conditions can benefit.
AAC works with speech
A common myth is that AAC replaces speech. The evidence shows the opposite. It can help children develop speech, and we have seen that growth in clinic. “Augmentative” means it works alongside speech and can clarify what a child is already saying.
AAC is never our only communication goal. Motor speech services stay part of the plan when they are useful.
High-tech AAC
Speech-generating devices are tablets with an app. Your child selects a word or phrase, and the tablet speaks it. Apps differ. We keep several in the clinic so your child can try them.
We currently have TD Snap, TouchChat, LAMP, Weave Chat, Grid by Smartbox, Avaz, and Proloquo2Go.
Other ways to access a device
Some children have fine-motor challenges that make finger isolation difficult. If your child needs another way in, we can trial options on a clinic device.
- Keyguards
- Buttons and switches
- Eye-gaze technology
Cortical visual impairment
Our team has experience with children with cortical visual impairment. Strategies include high-contrast symbols and changes to the therapy space so a device is easier to see and use.
Literacy
The aim of AAC is for a child to say anything they want, when they want to say it. Spelling is a big part of that. We teach phonics and phonemic awareness in ways that fit AAC users, and we can help a school team learn those strategies.
AAC for very young children
Learning a device is hard for children and for parents. Starting earlier means a child can be more functional when they enter school. Babies hear speech from the womb and often take nearly a year to say a first word. AAC needs that same kind of modelling.
Sign and low-tech options
Low-tech tools help while a family waits for device funding, and when a device is charging or out of reach. We can show manual boards, sign language, and an E-Tran board for eye-gaze communication.
Funding a device
Each region in Ontario has its own adaptive devices clinic. Your clinician can guide you through that region’s referral. Wait lists are long in many places, so it helps to get on the list early.