AAC Resource Hub

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) helps non-verbal and minimally-verbal children communicate. This guide covers the main approaches used in South Africa.

What is AAC?

AAC is any method of communication that supplements or replaces speech. It includes picture boards, sign language, SGDs (speech generating devices), and apps. AAC does not replace speech therapy — it supports communication while speech develops.

Getting Started with AAC

Get a comprehensive communication assessment

Ask your paediatrician or SLP for a comprehensive AAC assessment. This looks at language, cognition, motor skills, and communication needs to recommend the most appropriate system.

Start with low-tech before high-tech

Even if an SGD or app is the eventual goal, starting with low-tech paper boards helps the child (and family) learn AAC concepts without the barrier of technology.

Learn to model AAC yourself

"Aided Language Stimulation" means you use the AAC system yourself when talking to your child. This is the most powerful evidence-based strategy for teaching AAC. Your SLP can train you.

Make it available all the time

AAC must be available 24/7, in all environments. A system that lives on a shelf is not communication. A core board on the fridge and one at school, one at grandma's — always accessible.

Be patient and consistent

Children learn AAC over months and years, not days. Consistency across all communication partners (home, school, therapy) is what produces outcomes. Keep going.

AAC Systems Explained

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

Beginner–Intermediate

A structured AAC programme where the child initiates communication by giving a picture card to a communication partner. PECS moves through 6 phases and has strong evidence for young autistic children. Training is available from certified therapists in SA.

Strengths

Strong evidence base, especially for autism
Teaches initiation of communication, not just response
Inexpensive materials (printable pictures)
Can be used alongside speech development

Considerations

•Requires consistent training across all environments
•Book needs to be with the child at all times
•Requires a communication partner initially

Cost in South Africa

PECS materials can be printed. Formal PECS training workshops (for therapists and parents) are offered periodically by Pyramid Educational Consultants SA.

Core Vocabulary Boards

All levels

Core vocabulary refers to the small set of words (usually 200–300) that make up 80% of what we say — words like "want," "more," "stop," "go," "help," "that." Core boards give non-speaking or minimally-verbal children access to this vocabulary, often as a low-tech paper or laminated board.

Strengths

Can be implemented immediately at low cost
Works across all activities (not topic-specific)
Backed by strong language development evidence
Printable: many free resources available online

Considerations

•Requires consistent modelling from communication partners
•Children learn AAC at different rates
•Core boards alone may not meet full communication needs

Cost in South Africa

Free printable core boards are available from Project Core (globalAAC.net) and Boardmaker users groups.

Speech Generating Devices (SGDs)

Intermediate–Advanced

Electronic devices that produce speech output. High-tech AAC ranges from simple single-message buttons (BIGmack) to robust, complex devices (Accent, Tobii Dynavox). In South Africa, SGDs can be funded through medical aids for qualifying conditions.

Strengths

Produces speech output — powerful for social acceptance
High-tech devices can grow with the child's communication
Allows sentence-building and complex expression
Voice output is often more readily understood by unfamiliar partners

Considerations

•High cost (R15,000–R80,000+ for robust devices)
•Requires dedicated SLP assessment and programming
•Medical aid funding requires motivation from an SLP

Cost in South Africa

Medical aids (Bonitas, Discovery, Momentum) may fund SGDs with SLP motivation. Contact your SLP or the SA Communication Therapy Association (SACLPA) for guidance.

AAC Apps (iPad/Android)

Beginner–Advanced

Tablet-based AAC apps range from symbol-based systems (Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LetMeTalk) to text-based systems for literate users. Apps are often significantly more affordable than dedicated SGDs and run on consumer devices.

Strengths

More affordable than dedicated devices (R500–R5,000 for apps)
Runs on consumer tablets families may already own
Regular software updates and growing symbol libraries
Accessible through mainstream tech channels

Considerations

•Consumer tablets are more fragile and distract-able than dedicated devices
•Not all apps have Afrikaans or other SA language support
•Requires SLP setup and customisation for best results

Cost in South Africa

LetMeTalk is free and open-source. Proloquo2Go (iOS) ~R5,000. TouchChat (iOS/Android) ~R2,000–R4,000. A basic tablet can serve as an affordable SGD.

Common Myths About AAC

MYTH: AAC will stop my child from speaking

TRUTH: Research consistently shows that AAC supports speech development — it does not inhibit it. Most children who use AAC continue to develop verbal speech alongside it.

MYTH: My child needs to be a certain age before starting AAC

TRUTH: There is no minimum age for AAC. Children as young as 1 year old can benefit. Earlier is better — communication needs do not wait.

MYTH: My child must have some speech before using AAC

TRUTH: AAC is appropriate for any child who cannot meet their communication needs through speech alone. No prerequisite skills are required.

MYTH: My child isn't "smart enough" for AAC

TRUTH: AAC is not about intelligence. Children who cannot speak are often unable to show us what they know. AAC gives them a voice to demonstrate their understanding.

MYTH: AAC means giving up on speech therapy

TRUTH: AAC is used alongside, not instead of, speech therapy. Most SLPs now incorporate AAC into therapy for appropriate children.

South African Resources & Support

SACLPA (SA Communication and Language Professionals Association)

National body for speech-language pathologists in SA. Can provide referrals to AAC-specialist SLPs.

https://www.saclpa.com

Communication Aids for Language and Learning (CALL)

International organisation with SA-relevant resources and training.

https://www.callscotland.org.uk

AAC-SA Facebook Group

South African parents and therapists sharing AAC resources, advice, and second-hand equipment.

Autism SA

Provides AAC resources and referrals for autistic children in South Africa.

https://www.autismsa.org.za

Find an AAC-specialist Speech Therapist

Not all speech therapists are trained in AAC. When searching, specifically ask about AAC experience and whether they use aided language stimulation. Find speech therapists near you →