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At Xavier, our multidisciplinary therapy team support children with disability to improve their lives, their wellbeing and their participation in their communities. One of the ways that we support children and young people with disability to reach their potential is through speech therapy. Our qualified Speech Pathologists work with children with disability to improve their ability in the following areas:

• Verbal and non-verbal communication
• Communicating thoughts, needs and wants
• Understanding others
• Asking questions
• Answering questions
• Socialising with others
• Making new friends
• Following instructions
• Learning and literacy
• Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (see below)

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

AAC refers to a communication method combining hand gestures, eye movements, technology, and pointing at symbols.

How can AAC support my child?

Utilising augmentative and alternative communication techniques supports the development of children’s language skills, in turn increasing their participation in social interactions and their confidence in daily activities.

Our speech therapy team may recommend AAC when a child struggles with speech development or does not verbally communicate.

AAC techniques can include combinations of the following:

• Sign language – This can be either formal or informal signing with the hands.
• Images and pictures – Using charts, communication boards, photos or other images which your child can point at to communicate their thoughts.
• Object symbols – This is similar to images and pictures, but instead of using images your child chooses objects to represent the thing they are referring to.
• Speech-generating devices – These devices speak a recorded message to assist with communication.
• Writing and spelling – Writing messages down or using an alphabet board to spell out ideas.
• Physical communication skills – This can refer to hand gestures such as pointing, mime, facial expressions, and body language just to name a few.

Different AAC types

There are two main types of AAC: unaided and aided.

Unaided AAC is the use of natural communication, finding ways to present an idea using your body without the assistance of external aid or devices.

Aided AAC refers to external, technologically assisted forms of communication that your child can use to express their thoughts such as iPads or other tablets, and speech generating devices.

Supporting children with AAC

There are lots of ways that we can support children with disability with AAC both during therapy sessions and at home. Your child’s Speech Pathologist will work closely with you to make recommendations tailored for your child. Here are some examples:

Vocabulary choices – This is about helping each child to select the most effective words, pictures, and objects for their AAC vocabulary, based on what most interests them and motivates them to communicate.

Consistent evaluation – AAC techniques need to change to match your child’s needs as they develop and grow.

Regular communication – For AAC therapy to be effective, it needs to happen as regularly as possible in formal therapy sessions as well as at home in your child’s day-to-day communication.

Xavier therapy locations

Xavier can provide your child with AAC speech therapy from one of the therapy clinics, at your home or in your community (for example at your child’s school or childcare).  We are able to provide speech therapy in the following suburbs and surrounding areas:

• Speech therapy Brisbane north
• Speech therapy Brisbane south
• Speech therapy Wooloowin
• Speech therapy Ipswich
• Speech therapy North Lakes
• Speech therapy Scarborough
• Speech therapy Logan
• Speech therapy Deception Bay

We can also provide physiotherapy, occupational therapy and music therapy support in these areas too.

Find out more

Our team of Speech Pathologists are ready to support your child to develop their communication skills. Simply call 1800 XAVIER or email intake@xavier.org.au for further information.