Finding AAC That Fits: A Practical Guide for Families

Finding AAC that works well for a child is rarely as simple as choosing an app or device.

A good fit depends on much more than whether a child can touch buttons on a screen. It includes what they want and need to communicate, how they see and physically access the system, how language and vocabulary are organized, the environments where they communicate, and the support they receive while learning.

I created Finding AAC That Fits as a practical resource for families who are beginning to explore augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), already have an AAC system in place, or are wondering whether something about their child’s current setup needs another look.

The guide explores:

• questions that can help families think about AAC fit;

• reasons communication may be difficult even when the AAC system itself is not necessarily the problem;

• what an AAC evaluation can help a team understand;

• ways families can contribute important information to the evaluation process;

• supporting AAC during everyday communication;

• options for finding AAC support, including California-specific pathways;

• additional AAC resources, communication-rights information, and perspectives from people who use AAC.

Throughout the guide, the emphasis is on looking closely at what is helping communication—and what may be getting in the way.

A child may need more time or teaching. The device, setup, or supports may need adjustment. Difficulty with one setup does not tell us what a child is capable of communicating.

AAC learning is an ongoing process that unfolds over years, and communication systems often change along the way. The goal is not perfect device use. It is giving a child meaningful ways to express themselves, connect with other people, participate, and continue building communication skills.

Finding AAC That Fits: A Practical Guide for Families (PDF)

The guide is free to download and may be shared, reproduced, or adapted with attribution for personal, educational, and clinical use. It may not be sold or incorporated into materials offered for commercial sale without written permission.