Augmentative/ Alternative Communication

Many children who experience difficulty expressing themselves through verbal speech, benefit from using an augmentative or alternative method of communication to express their needs and ideas.  Sign language (Signed Exact English) is highly beneficial for children with the ability to imitate motor movements.  PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) may be appropriate for children with limited motor imitation abilities and a need to strengthen social/reciprocal communication.  Picture communication boards and voice output technology may also be appropriate for children who want to access a small or large base of vocabulary that is easily interpretable by people across communication environments.  The interdisciplinary team of professionals at blueballoon will help determine the most beneficial methods of augmentative communication for your child, based on communication needs and abilities, cognitive level, fine motor status, and gross motor skills.