Communication is vital for your child’s development, from making new friends to learning in the classroom. If your child is nonverbal or otherwise struggles with communicating their ideas, our speech-language pathologists are here to help. Keep reading to find out what augmented communication devices are, when your child might need one, and how pediatric speech therapy can teach them how to use it effectively.
What Is an Augmented Communication Device?
Children who struggle with verbal speech or language still need to be able to share their ideas with others. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes a variety of methods and technology that were designed to help children express their ideas while they work on their speech and language skills. This is an incredible tool that empowers children to communicate despite any challenges they’re facing, and it can help improve their overall happiness and wellbeing.
Common Types of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
AAC includes many different ways of communicating without using the voice. Some of the most common types of AAC include:
- Using hand gestures, such as waving or giving a thumbs up
- Using sign language
- Writing down ideas
- Drawing ideas
- Pointing to letters to spell words
- Pointing to photos or words to share ideas
- Using a speech-generating device, such as a tablet
Why Would a Child Need AAC?
Children who are nonverbal or struggle with speech and language use AAC to ensure they can communicate with everyone around them. It may be used as an interim solution while a child is building their speech and language skills. It can also be a permanent solution for children who have certain disabilities that prevent them from easily speaking to share their ideas.
How Can Speech Therapy Improve My Child’s Communication Skills?
Our pediatric speech-language pathologists have the training and experience to teach your child how to use AAC methods and devices. We use proven therapeutic techniques and activities to help children master communication via gestures, electronic devices, picture boards, and other AAC methods. We can also give you tips and activities you can do at home with your child to help them continue working on their communication skills between therapy sessions. With our one-on-one treatment and your support, we can work together to help your child share their ideas easily.
Benefits of Pediatric Speech Therapy for AAC
If your child is struggling with communication, speech therapy can give them the tools they need to successfully use AAC. This can lead to other incredible benefits such as:
- Increased ability to participate in school
- Stronger communication skills
- Reduced frustration from being misunderstood
- Increased self-esteem, confidence, and indeBetter ability to make new friends
- Improved overall quality of life
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation
Pediatric Therapy Partners has clinics in Bossier and Shreveport, LA, to meet your family’s needs. All you have to do is call us at (318) 746-1199 or fill out the contact form below and our Intake Coordinator will help you schedule your child’s speech therapy evaluation.