AAC Evaluations and Therapy in Atlanta
Supporting Every Child's UniqueCommunicate
Communication is a human right. Some children communicate most effectively through speech, while others benefit from additional communication supports. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can help children express their thoughts, wants, needs, feelings, and ideas in ways that work best for them.
Supported Communication
AAC
At Hart Therapy Services, we provide AAC evaluations, consultation, and therapy for children throughout Atlanta, Decatur, Candler Park, Virginia Highland, East Atlanta Village, and surrounding communities.
What Is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC includes any tool or strategy that supports communication.
Examples include:
Gestures
Sign language
Communication boards
Picture-based systems
Speech-generating devices
Tablet-based communication apps
AAC can be used temporarily or long-term depending on a child's communication needs.
Who Can Benefit from AAC?
AAC may be appropriate for children who:
Are minimally speaking or nonspeaking
Have difficulty expressing themselves verbally
Experience motor speech challenges
Have childhood apraxia of speech
Are autistic and benefit from additional communication supports
Have developmental disabilities
Have complex communication needs
AAC is not a last resort. It is one of many tools that can support communication and participation.
Will AAC Stop My Child from Talking?
No.
Research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent spoken language development. In many cases, AAC supports language growth, reduces frustration, and increases opportunities for communication. AAC gives children more ways to communicate, not fewer.
Is My Child Too Young for AAC?
No.
There is no minimum age requirement for AAC. Children can benefit from communication supports whenever communication challenges are affecting their ability to express themselves. Early access to AAC often leads to more opportunities for language development and social participation.
What Happens During an AAC Evaluation?
An AAC evaluation helps determine which communication supports may best fit your child's needs.
We consider:
Current communication skills
Language development
Motor abilities
Sensory preferences
Access methods
Family priorities
Educational needs
Our recommendations are individualized and based on real-world communication needs.
AAC Systems We Support
We have experience supporting a variety of AAC systems, including:
TD Snap
TouchChat
LAMP Words for Life
Proloquo2Go
Tobii Dynavox devices
Saltillo devices
Low-tech communication systems
The best AAC system is the one that allows your child to communicate effectively and consistently.
What AAC Therapy Looks Like
AAC therapy focuses on helping children communicate across everyday activities and environments.
Goals may include:
Requesting
Commenting
Self-advocacy
Social interaction
Participation in routines
Language development
Literacy skills
Parents and caregivers play an important role in AAC success, and coaching is integrated throughout the therapy process.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Children do not need to be nonspeaking to benefit from AAC.
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Yes. Consistency across environments often supports communication growth.
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No. We can help determine appropriate communication supports through an evaluation process.
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AAC provides access to communication. It does not create dependence.
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Yes. AAC supports vocabulary growth, language learning, and communication opportunities.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are wondering whether AAC may benefit your child, contact Hart Therapy Services to schedule a consultation and learn more about AAC evaluations and therapy services.
