Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
Research continues to show that a significant portion of the autistic community communicates in ways other than spoken language. Current estimates indicate that approximately 25–35% of autistic individuals have little to no functional speech, with adult studies commonly reporting that around one‑third of autistic adults are nonspeaking or minimally speaking.
Importantly, being nonspeaking does not mean a person cannot communicate. Many individuals communicate effectively using nonverbal methods, including gestures, facial expressions, writing, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) such as visual supports, picture‑based systems, or speech‑generating devices. Research consistently shows that AAC supports communication, autonomy, and quality of life across the lifespan
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to communication methods that help or replace spoken or written language for individuals who struggle to produce or comprehend it. AAC includes simple systems such as pictures, gestures, and pointing, as well as more complex techniques involving computer technology. The goal of AAC is to achieve the most effective communication possible for the individual, maximizing their potential and enabling the highest quality of life possible.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can be especially important for individuals with Autism who have complex care needs because it supports communication, autonomy, and safety across medical, daily living, and community settings. In complex care situations, effective communication is essential for:
- Health and safety – sharing pain, symptoms, medication side effects, or changes in well‑being
- Medical decision‑making – asking questions, understanding care, and participating in choices
- Emotional regulation – reducing frustration and distress when needs are understood
- Independence and dignity – communicating wants, boundaries, and personal priorities
- Consistency across environments – supporting communication at home, in clinics, hospitals, work, or the community
AAC is not a “last resort” or a replacement for speech—it is a communication support that honors different communication styles and ensures that adults with Autism can be heard, understood, and respected, particularly when care needs are complex or change over time.
Additional Information:
AAC and Autism: Using Communication Devices for Non-Verbal Children. Speech and Language Kids.
https://www.speechandlanguagekids.com/giving-voice-non-verbal-children-autism-aac-autism/
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/
AAC Connections – Southern California
www.aacconnections.org
Darlene Hanson is a national expert in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and provides AAC assessments, speech‑language therapy, AAC intervention, training for communication partners, and comprehensive services for individuals who are non‑verbal, have limited communication, or use AAC. Therapy is available at home or via telehealth.
Autistically Inclined – Southern California
www.autisticallyinclined.com
(413) 329-6200
support@autisticallyinclined.com
Text-based communication, such as letterboards and keyboards, is taught to non-speaking individuals with Autism, their families, and providers, through both direct services and online training.
Ensemble Therapy
https://www.ensembletherapyservices.com/
Palm Desert – (760) 837-0033
Colton – (909) 388-2200
info@ensembletherapyservices.com
Supports individuals with communication impairments through alternative methods, such as devices or sign language.
Justine Sherman and Associates
http://www.justineshermanslp.com/
Claremont – (909) 626-0900
Monrovia – (626) 355-1729
Camarillo – (805) 504-2200
justine@justineshermanslp.com
A nonpublic agency that serves the speech-language, educational, and orofacial myofunctional needs of clients throughout the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
Lucid Speech and Language Center
www.lucidspeech.com
Murrieta – (951) 461-1190
Riverside – (951) 808-5850
Menifee – (951) 566-4444
Clinic features speech therapists specializing in augmentative and alternative communication, who can conduct AAC assessments for a wide range of devices. The clinic accepts most major health insurance plans and accepts credit card payments.
Sparkle Where Our Voices Shine
https://www.sparklewovs.org/
Rialto – (909) 343-4005
Victorville – (760) 546-6210
Glendora – (626) 628-1246
Help individuals of all ages find their voice—whether through spoken words, assistive technology, or alternative communication methods.
Wings Speech and Language Services
www.wingsspeech.com
Hesperia – (760) 981-1069
Speech pathologists are available to conduct AAC assessments, currently offered only at the High Desert location.
Autism Society Options Policy
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to Autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society Inland Empire. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society Inland Empire assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.
