Pediatric Speech Therapy for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in Chicago, IL
Every child deserves to be heard. If your child has difficulty speaking due to developmental delays, neurological conditions, or a speech disorder, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can help them communicate with confidence. At SensAble Kids, our pediatric speech therapists can help your child find ways to communicate using AAC that feel comfortable, motivating, and empowering.
What Is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
AAC includes tools and strategies that support or replace spoken communication. For some children, AAC supplements developing speech. For others, it is their primary form of communication. The goal with AAC is always the same: to help your child communicate in a way that works best for them. AAC can include:
- Picture or symbol boards your child can point to during play or conversation to show what they want or need
- Speech-generating devices that produce spoken words when buttons are selected
- Sign language or gestures that give your child additional ways to express ideas
- Writing or drawing tools that support communication during daily activities
Children Who Can Benefit from AAC
AAC can help children of all ages who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally due to differences such as the following:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Childhood apraxia of speech
- Hearing impairments
- Traumatic brain injury
- Limited verbal speech for any reason
Because AAC is flexible and adaptable, it can grow with your child and support communication as they learn new skills.
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Supports AAC
At SensAble Kids, AAC support begins with a thorough evaluation to understand your child’s strengths, communication needs, sensory preferences, and daily routines. From there, your child’s speech therapist will:
- Help your child and family explore AAC tools that match their abilities and goals
- Teach your child how to use their AAC method during play, learning, and social interaction
- Strengthen your child’s overall communication skills, including speech, gestures, and understanding of language
- Coach caregivers so AAC becomes part of everyday routines at home, school, and in the community
Our therapists use play-based, child-centered approaches that make learning feel natural. As your child becomes more comfortable with AAC, they can participate more easily at home, express choices, build friendships, and experience more independence.
Why Choose SensAble Kids
For more than ten years, SensAble Kids has provided personalized speech therapy for children across Chicago. Our holistic, whole-child approach supports your child’s communication, emotional well-being, and overall development. We follow a child-led, relationship-centered model that emphasizes play, trust, and connection. By honoring your child’s strengths and interests, we create a supportive therapy experience that builds real-world communication skills. We also partner closely with families so progress continues at home and feels meaningful in daily life.
Reach Out Today to Get Started
If you’d like to learn more about how AAC can help your child, call SensAble Kids at (773) 697-7333, email office@sensablekids.com, or use our online form to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping your child communicate confidently and effectively.