Helping children find their voice

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Program

At Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, we believe everyone deserves a way to communicate.

Our Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) team helps children and young adults discover effective ways to express themselves, develop language, and connect with others when they cannot rely on speaking.

What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication refers to tools and strategies that support communication when speech is limited. There are many forms of AAC, including gestures, low-tech communication boards, and electronic devices that generate speech. Many AAC users rely on more than one type of AAC at different times.

Our team works closely with each child, family, and support network to identify the communication methods that best fit the child’s abilities and daily routines.

Learn about ACC resources

Your child may benefit from our AAC program if:

  • They have little or no functional speech.
  • They have developmental, genetic, or acquired conditions that affect communication, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, or brain injury.
  • They need help to identify appropriate communication tools or strategies.
  • They need help to repair or set up existing AAC systems.

We also provide training for parents and caregivers of children who use AAC so that family members can learn how to use AAC tools and support their child’s language development. 

Our AAC program provides comprehensive, family-centered services, including:

AAC evaluations

A detailed assessment of your child’s communication strengths, needs, and goals. We explore low-tech and high-tech AAC options to find the best fit.

Device trials

Opportunities to try different devices and systems before purchase, so that families can make informed choices.

Accessibility modifications

Our team can help find ways to make an AAC system easier to use for people with motor, vision, and/or hearing impairments. For example, we can provide help with using alternative access methods such as eye gaze or adapting AAC systems for better visibility.

Family and caregiver training

Hands-on coaching to help you integrate AAC tools into everyday life—at home, at school, and in the community.

Help with AAC device funding

Our team can offer guidance with insurance, AAC equipment vendors, and funding paperwork.

Step 1: Referral

Ask your child’s doctor or primary care provider to send a referral to our AAC program.

Step 2: Scheduling

Once your referral is received, our office will contact you to schedule an evaluation. You can also reach us at (650) 736-2000 if you have any scheduling questions.

Step 3: Evaluation appointment

You and your child will meet with an AAC specialist for a comprehensive assessment.

Please bring any AAC tools or devices that your child uses, individualized education program or 504 plan, vision assessment results, and any previous AAC reports.

Step 4: Recommendations

After the session, we will discuss recommendations for AAC tools, strategies, and training.

Step 5: Follow-up and support

We provide guidance through device setup, funding approval, and family training sessions.

What to bring

To make the most of your visit, we recommend bringing the following items and completing any necessary forms:

  • Your child’s AAC devices or tools: If your child uses any communication devices, please bring them along. If you can’t bring the device with you, pictures of it will be helpful.
  • Glasses and hearing aids: If needed, please remember to bring your child’s glasses or hearing aids so they can participate fully.
  • Important papers:
    • Your child’s latest school plan (IEP)
    • Reports from any past AAC evaluations
    • Any outside reports related to hearing and vision
  • Favorites for comfort: Bringing toys, snacks, or activities your child enjoys can make the visit more relaxing and enjoyable for them.

Communication with your child’s team

If you would like our AAC specialists to connect with your child’s school team or other providers outside of Stanford, please complete a release of information form (English | Spanish)

AAC parent education handouts

Learn more about AAC

The following websites offer helpful information, events, and resources related to AAC:

Presentations