October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of giving every child a voice. For many children with autism, AAC systems open doors to meaningful communication, independence, and social connection. At The Discovery Centre, we integrate AAC into Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) therapy to ensure children can express their wants, needs and ideas in ways that work best for them.
Why AAC Matters for Children with Autism
For children who are minimally verbal or non-speaking, AAC provides a reliable way to be heard. Benefits include:
- Reducing frustration by allowing children to communicate wants, needs, and feelings
- Promoting independence at home, school, and in the community
- Building social connections by making it easier to interact with others
- Supporting learning by giving children access to participation in group activities
Most importantly, AAC can help children communicate safely and effectively, often reducing challenging behaviours that stem from communication barriers.
How ABA Therapy Supports AAC
In ABA, communication is a core focus. Functional Communication Training (FCT) is often used to teach children how to request, comment, and interact using AAC. Our therapists:
- Pair AAC use with positive reinforcement so communication is rewarding
- Teach communication across contexts (home, school, community) for consistency
- Collaborate with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to ensure proper AAC selection and implementation
- Provide training for families and educators so the child’s communication system is supported across all environments
Effective AAC use requires teamwork. ABA therapists, SLPs, Occupational Therapists (OTs), teachers, and families all play a role in ensuring children can communicate successfully. This interprofessional collaboration aligns goals, reduces confusion, and promotes generalization of communication skills across settings.
Tips for Families Supporting AAC at Home
Parents and caregivers can make a big difference by:
- Modeling AAC use during daily routines (e.g., mealtime, playtime)
- Encouraging all communication attempts, whether spoken, gestured, or device-based
- Keeping AAC available at all times: children should have their “voice” wherever they go
- Celebrating successes, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation