Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

What AAC Therapy Looks Like for Children in the Home Setting


When a child has difficulty speaking or cannot rely on verbal speech as their primary means of communication, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can open doors. AAC includes any tool, system, or strategy that helps a child express themselves—ranging from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. But introducing and supporting AAC isn’t just about the device; it’s about building meaningful communication in the child’s everyday life.

That’s where home-based AAC therapy comes in.

ACC Therapy includes:

  • Low-tech options: Single pictures, core word boards, communication books

  • Mid-tech options: Single-message buttons, static displays

  • High-tech devices: Speech-generating devices (SGDs), tablets with AAC apps like LAMP Words for Life, TD Snap, or Proloquo2Go

AAC is not a “last resort”—it’s a valid, effective way for children with complex communication needs to connect, express, and participate in the world around them.

Why Home-Based AAC Therapy Matters


While clinics and schools play a role, AAC therapy in the home setting is uniquely powerful. Communication doesn’t only happen during structured sessions—it happens during snack time, playtime, brushing teeth, family dinners, and beyond.

Home-based AAC therapy meets children where they are—literally and developmentally—and supports them in using their AAC system in real-life, meaningful contexts.

What Does AAC Therapy at Home Look Like?


AAC therapy in the home is personalized, practical, and focused on integrating communication tools into the family’s everyday routines. A licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in AAC typically provides the service and works closely with caregivers throughout.

Here’s what you can expect in a typical home-based AAC therapy model:


1. Assessment and Customization

Before therapy begins, the SLP may conduct a comprehensive AAC evaluation to determine:

  • The child’s current communication abilities

  • Appropriate AAC systems or apps based on motor, sensory, and cognitive needs

  • Preferred communication partners and contexts (e.g., family meals, play with siblings)

If the child already has an AAC system, the therapist will ensure it’s properly programmed with vocabulary relevant to their daily life.

2. Therapy in Everyday Routines

Rather than working at a table or using flashcards, the SLP embeds AAC learning into natural, functional activities like:

  • Asking for favorite snacks using their AAC device

  • Making choices during play (e.g., “Do you want the car or the blocks?”)

  • Commenting on actions during story time

  • Participating in family games or cooking

  • Greeting family members or saying goodbye

This real-world approach teaches the child that AAC is not just for therapy—it’s for life.

3. Modeling (Aided Language Input)

One of the most important strategies in AAC therapy is modeling. The therapist and caregivers use the AAC system alongside spoken language to show the child how to use it. This is called aided language input.

For example, while saying “Let’s eat,” the adult might also tap “eat” on the child’s device or picture board. Over time, the child learns that these symbols have meaning and power.

Modeling shows children:

  • How to navigate their device

  • That it’s okay to take time to communicate

  • That AAC is a natural part of their environment

4. Teaching Functional Communication Skills

AAC therapy focuses on real communication, not just naming pictures or answering questions. The therapist helps the child learn how to:

  • Request things they want

  • Say “no” or “stop”

  • Ask for help

  • Comment on what they see

  • Share how they feel

  • Greet, socialize, and joke

This shift from “testing” to connecting builds confidence and makes communication more motivating and meaningful.

5. Parent Coaching and Empowerment

In the home setting, caregivers are key partners in AAC therapy. The therapist will:

  • Train parents on how to model AAC use in daily life

  • Help troubleshoot technical or behavioral challenges

  • Celebrate small wins and milestones

  • Offer ideas for incorporating AAC into routines (e.g., bath time, car rides, meals)

  • Adjust strategies based on the family’s needs and lifestyle

The goal is to help parents feel confident using AAC—not just during therapy, but throughout the entire day.

6. Adjusting and Growing Over Time

AAC therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. As the child’s needs change, the therapist will:

  • Add or update vocabulary in the AAC system

  • Teach more complex language (e.g., combining words, using grammar)

  • Support school transitions or peer interactions

  • Incorporate literacy and academic support as needed

AAC systems grow with the child—and home therapy ensures that growth stays personalized and relevant.

What Success Looks Like in AAC Therapy

Success in AAC therapy isn’t measured by how “fast” a child talks or how many words they know. Instead, we look for things like:

  • Increased independence in expressing wants, needs, and ideas

  • Reduced frustration around communication

  • More participation in home and community activities

  • Joyful, meaningful interactions with family and peers

  • A strong sense of agency and voice

Final Thoughts: Every Child Deserves a Voice


AAC is not about replacing speech—it’s about giving every child the tools they need to communicate in their own way. With the right support, AAC can transform a child’s ability to connect with the world—and the home is the perfect place to start.

If your child uses AAC or you’re considering it, home-based therapy offers a compassionate, practical path forward. You don’t need to be an expert—you just need a guide, and a team that believes in your child’s potential.

Need support with AAC at home?


We specialize in family-centered, in-home AAC therapy that empowers children and caregivers alike. Contact us today to learn how we can help your child find their voice—right from the heart of your home.