When a child with autism is non-verbal or minimally verbal at age 3, 4, or 5, the fear that they will "never talk" can be overwhelming for families. This fear is understandable — but it is also, in many cases, unfounded. And even in cases where spoken language remains very limited, AAC can transform a child's life by giving them a reliable, effective means of communication.
Communication is a fundamental human right. At MIRAI Centre in Bangalore, we believe that every child — no matter how limited their verbal abilities — deserves a voice. AAC is how we help them find it.
What Is AAC?
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to all methods of communication that supplement or replace speech when it is absent or insufficient. AAC is not a single system — it is a broad category that includes everything from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices.
AAC does not mean giving up on speech. In fact, research consistently shows that introducing AAC early does not prevent speech development — and in many cases, it actually accelerates spoken language acquisition. When a child has a reliable way to communicate, the pressure is removed, and the foundation for verbal communication becomes stronger.
Types of AAC Systems
Unaided AAC
These systems do not require external devices or materials. They include sign language, gestures, facial expressions, and body language. For children with good motor imitation, a simplified sign system can be a quick and accessible first step toward functional communication.
Low-Tech AAC
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): A structured programme where children learn to give a picture card to a communication partner in exchange for a desired item. PECS has a strong evidence base and is widely used for early AAC with autism.
- Communication boards: Laminated boards or books containing pictures, symbols, or photographs that the child can point to in order to make requests, comments, or choices.
- Visual schedules: Picture sequences that help children understand and navigate routines — reducing anxiety and increasing independence.
High-Tech AAC
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs): Electronic devices that produce spoken output when the child selects symbols or words on a screen. These range from simple single-message devices to sophisticated vocabulary systems.
- Tablet-based AAC applications: Apps such as Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and Snap Core First run on iPads or Android tablets and offer powerful, customisable vocabulary systems at a much lower cost than dedicated SGDs.
- Eye-gaze systems: For children with very limited motor function, eye-tracking technology allows them to select symbols by looking at them — giving even the most physically restricted children a voice.
MIRAI recommends: AAC systems should be chosen based on a comprehensive assessment of the child's motor, cognitive, visual, and communication abilities — not based on what is simplest or cheapest. Our speech therapists will assess your child and recommend the system best matched to their profile and goals.
The Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning (LAMP) Approach
LAMP is one of the most effective approaches for teaching children to use high-tech AAC devices. Based on principles of motor learning, LAMP teaches children to develop consistent motor patterns for accessing vocabulary — so that using their device becomes as automatic as speaking is for other children. Our LAMP-trained therapists use this approach for many of the children we support at MIRAI.
How Parents Can Support AAC
The single most important factor in AAC success is how consistently it is used across all environments. This means:
- Always having the AAC system available — it should go everywhere the child goes
- Modelling AAC use yourself — point to symbols while you talk to your child
- Responding consistently to every communication attempt, however small
- Celebrating all communication — not just "correct" use of the system
- Advocating for AAC use at school and with all caregivers
Starting AAC in Bangalore
At MIRAI Centre in Bangalore, our speech-language pathologists are trained in AAC assessment and implementation. We work with families to choose the right system, programme it with personalised vocabulary, train parents and teachers, and monitor progress over time. Starting AAC early — even before a child shows readiness — is always the right decision.
Written by the Clinical Team at MIRAI – Centre for Speech & Neuro Rehabilitation, Bangalore.