AAC Devices for Autism: How to Choose, Use, and Advocate for Your Child’s Communication Needs

If you’re searching for AAC devices for autism, you’re likely wondering if one could help your child communicate more clearly, or at all. Maybe they use a few words, maybe none at all, or maybe they get frustrated trying to express themselves. Whatever brought you here, you’re in the right place.

As a school psychologist, I’ve worked with many families to identify communication needs, recommend AAC tools, and support follow-through at home and school. One thing I hear often is, “I didn’t realize AAC was for kids like mine.” It’s a common myth that AAC is only for nonverbal children, but the truth is that many kids benefit, especially when speech is limited, unclear, or inconsistent.

In this post, we’ll talk about how to tell if AAC might be helpful, how to choose a device that fits your child’s needs, and what to do once you have one. You’ll also learn how to advocate for support at school and take a whole-child approach to communication growth.

Does My Child Need an AAC Device for Autism?

When your child has trouble communicating, it’s natural to wonder if something like an AAC device could help, but it can also feel intimidating if you’re not sure what AAC even is, let alone when to use it. The truth is, AAC devices for autism aren’t just for nonverbal kids. They’re communication tools, and many children benefit from them even if they can speak a little.

Here are some common signs that AAC might be worth exploring:

• Your child struggles to express themselves using verbal speech
• They rely heavily on gestures or pointing but rarely use words
• You notice frequent frustration during conversations or daily routines
• Their speech is difficult to understand, even for familiar listeners

AAC gives children another way to communicate their thoughts, needs, and feelings (sometimes as a bridge, and sometimes as a long-term support).

If you answered yes to two or more of the points above, AAC could be a helpful addition to your child’s communication toolbox.

How to Choose the Right AAC Device for Your Child

With so many AAC devices for autism on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. The key is finding a communication device that fits your child’s individual strengths, needs, and daily routines. Whether you’re considering high-tech speech-generating devices or more accessible augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, the best choice is one that actually works for your child.

Here are a few important factors to keep in mind:

• Fine motor skills: some individuals with autism have difficulty tapping small icons or navigating touchscreens. If that’s the case, look into devices with larger buttons or consider alternative access methods like switch scanning or eye gaze technology, especially for more physically involved users.
• Sensory needs: if your child is easily overwhelmed by bright screens, cluttered layouts, or too many choices, look for a device that offers a clean interface and the ability to customize how much is shown at once.
• Cognitive level: some kids benefit from simple, image-based systems, while others may thrive with features like predictive text or keyboard options. You want a device that supports where your child is now but can grow with them over time.
• Portability: a communication AAC device should be easy to use at home, at school, and out in the community. Devices like tablets with AAC apps can be more discreet and portable than bulkier systems.
• Bilingual needs: if your child hears or speaks more than one language, make sure the device can switch between languages or offer multilingual vocabulary options.

Examples of Common AAC Tools

Here are some of the devices that I’ve known families to go for:

• Proloquo2Go: This is a robust AAC app that runs on iPads. Highly customizable, widely used, and supports both beginners and more advanced communicators.
• TouchChat HD: Another iPad-based app with strong visual support and a wide range of vocabulary systems.
• Lingraphica devices: These dedicated assistive technology tools are known for their simplicity and support for people with autism and other speech needs. They can be ideal for children who benefit from a more structured system. You do typically have to work with a service provider to get this sort of device, so I’m adding this option for reference in the event that you want to go that route.
• GoTalk and QuickTalker: Lower-tech, budget-conscious options that use static images and buttons. Great for early learners or families just getting started.

If cost is a concern, many AAC apps offer free trials, and some insurance plans or school-based evaluations can help cover the cost of a communication device. Starting with low-tech options like communication boards is also a completely valid way to introduce AAC devices without a major financial investment.

Once you’ve chosen a tool, the next step is just as important: helping your child learn how to use it. So in the next section, we’ll walk through what introducing an AAC system at home looks like.

How to Introduce AAC at Home (Without It Feeling Like a Chore)

Choosing the right AAC device is a huge step, but what comes next is helping your child actually use it. For many families, this is where things get tricky. It’s easy to feel discouraged when the device sits untouched on a shelf or when it slows down already-busy routines.

If you’re feeling stuck, you’re not alone. Here are some common worries I hear from parents and what to do instead:

• “My child won’t use it.” You don’t have to push or pressure. The most effective way to build AAC use is through modeling. Use the device yourself in everyday situations. When your child sees you using it, they start to understand what it’s for.
• “It takes too long.” It’s true: AAC can slow things down at first. But when you keep the device within reach and weave it naturally into routines, it becomes second nature. You don’t have to use it for everything, just consistently for the moments that matter.
• “People don’t understand AAC.” Family members, caregivers, or teachers might not be familiar with communication AAC tools. Keep it simple: let them know this is your child’s way of communicating. A quick explanation like, “We’re using this to help them express themselves, it’s like another voice,” often goes a long way.

Simple Ways to Use AAC in Daily Life

Here are a few real-world examples that make AAC use feel doable, not overwhelming:

• Mealtime: Tap “eat,” “drink,” or specific foods before giving them a snack or meal. You can also ask, “Do you want apple or banana?” and model selecting the word.
• Playtime: Offer two choices and use the device to highlight each one. “Blocks or bubbles?” Press the buttons as you speak.
• Transitions: Many families use AAC devices to support smoother routines. Try using the device to say, “First bath, then story” or “Clean up, then play outside.”

The key is repetition, not perfection. Over time, your child begins to recognize that the device is there to help them communicate and they may surprise you with how they begin to use it independently.

What If the School Isn’t Using It Consistently?

Unfortunately, not every school team is familiar with AAC best practices. If your child’s communication device isn’t being used regularly at school, start by asking questions in a collaborative way:

• “What support does the team need to make the AAC more usable during the day?”
• “Is there a specific time it’s harder to implement?”

As a school psychologist, I’ve seen how powerful AAC can be when it’s integrated across home and school. If needed, you can request that AAC goals be added to your child’s IEP or 504 plan, and ask for specific staff training. Consistency between settings can make a big difference.

How to Get an AAC Device (3 Different Paths)

Once you’ve decided that an AAC device could help your child, the next question is usually: “How do we actually get one?” The process can feel confusing, especially when some routes require insurance paperwork, school evaluations, or a provider referral. The good news is that you have options.

Here are three common paths families take:

1️⃣ Self-Pay Route

If you’re ready to get started right away, the self-pay route offers the most flexibility. Many families use an iPad with an AAC app, especially when they’re exploring augmentative and alternative communication for the first time.

Popular apps include:

• Proloquo2Go
• TouchChat HD
• LAMP Words for Life

These apps often go on sale during April (Autism Acceptance Month) and October (AAC Awareness Month), sometimes at 50% off.

While this route skips insurance delays, it also means covering the cost out of pocket. That said, it can be a great way to begin introducing AAC at home and see what works.

2️⃣ Medical Route (Through Insurance)

If you’re hoping to go through insurance, you’ll typically need to start by requesting an AAC assessment from your child’s doctor, speech-language pathologist, or developmental provider. This assessment looks at your child’s communication needs and recommends a specific communication device or speech-generating device based on those needs.

Be prepared for paperwork, documentation, and a bit of back-and-forth with insurance. It’s not always fast, but it’s worth it, especially for high-tech devices like those from Lingraphica or PRC-Saltillo. Your child may even be able to trial a device before committing.

3️⃣ School Route (IEP & Special Education Services)

If your child has an IEP or is receiving special education services, you can request an assistive technology evaluation through the school. This is often the first step toward getting a device that can be used both in the classroom and at home.

You could say something like “Hi [Case Manager], I’d like to request an assistive technology evaluation to explore whether an AAC device could help support [Child’s Name]’s communication needs at school and at home.”

From there, the school team may bring in a speech-language pathologist or assistive technology specialist to assess your child and make recommendations.

How to Advocate for AAC in Schools and the Community

Getting an AAC device is one part of the process. Making sure your child can actually use it (and that others support its use) is where many parents face challenges. Advocacy can feel intimidating, but with the right tools, it becomes much more manageable.

What to Do If a Teacher Isn’t Using AAC

Some teachers aren’t trained in assistive technology or may not understand how important AAC is for your child’s communication. If you’re getting resistance, try using phrases like:

• “This device is how my child communicates. It’s not optional for them.”
• “What support would help make AAC easier to use in the classroom?”
• “Could we talk about adding AAC use into the IEP goals or accommodations?”

You can also formally request that AAC be included in your child’s IEP or 504 plan. We’ll talk more about how to navigate this process in an upcoming post on accommodations for students with autism.

How to Talk to Family and Friends About AAC

Not everyone will understand right away, especially if your child talks a little or communicates through gestures. You can keep it simple: “This device helps them say what they’re thinking.” Sometimes showing it in action during daily routines helps it click for others.

Your Child’s Rights Under IDEA

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), your child has a legal right to access assistive technology if it supports their learning and communication. This includes evaluations, trials, and training for school staff. If the school isn’t supporting AAC, you can request a meeting to revisit your child’s plan and make sure their communication needs are truly being met.

Advocating doesn’t mean being confrontational. It can be as simple as:

“I’d like to revisit how AAC is being supported during the day. It’s an important part of how my child communicates, and I want to make sure it’s being used in a way that helps them.”

Communication Is Just One Piece of the Whole Child

AAC isn’t just about speech. It’s about helping your child connect, build confidence, and feel understood. That’s why a whole-child approach matters. Communication, learning, emotions, relationships—they’re all connected.

This blog is part of a larger series of autism resources meant to support families like yours. In future posts, you’ll find help with things like requesting 504 accommodations, exploring autism-friendly camps, and building a home that works for your child’s unique needs.

And if you’re still in that uncertain stage after a diagnosis, where everything feels like too much at once, I have a free guide that might help. It’s called First Steps After Diagnosis, and it walks you through what to focus on, what to avoid, and how to move forward with clarity.

I hope you found this helpful! If you did, consider sharing it with a friend who may need it too.