05/06/2026
Everyone deserves the to communicate.
Communication is a basic human right. It allows us to express our needs, share thoughts, build relationships, and take meaningful part in community and society.
For Autistic children, however, especially those who are nonspeaking or do not rely on speech to communicate, communication
access in everyday life is not always enabled. This may be because environments are not designed to support different communication styles or because they may not have access to communication systems that work for them.
Read our full AAC report, with findings and recommendations here:https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6537ebf5bd64fee2cfd5af24/6a0d8357df306dfbd4788831_Digital%20Version%201%20Complete%20The%20Evaluation%20of%20AsIAm%20(AAC)%20Support%20Programme.pdf
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes a range of tools, such as pictures, communication books, tablets, or speech‑generating devices, that help people communicate in ways other than speech. Research clearly shows that AAC does not prevent speech from developing, rather, it gives children the communication access they need and have a right to. Research also shows that high‑tech AAC devices, such as iPads
with communication apps, can give children more autonomy, help them develop language and express their thoughts, preferences, and feelings in a more effective way than low tech options, such as communication boards. Although high‑tech AAC is highly effective, giving a child a device on its own is not enough.
Families and educators need to learn how to support it in everyday routines. This is most effectively done through strategies such as modelling, where adults use the communication device themselves to model language, without expectations placed on the child.
