AAC Support for Non-Speaking Children | Fable Speech-Language Pathology Vancouver, BC

When words do not come easily

If your child is not yet speaking, or speaks in ways that are hard for others to understand, you have probably heard a lot of well meaning advice. Wait and see. Give it time. It gets easier. Some of that advice can leave you feeling more alone with the problem, not less.

You know your child has things to say. They may just need a different way to say them. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, gives non-speaking and minimally verbal children a reliable way to express needs, ask questions, and connect with the people who love them.

What AAC actually is

AAC covers any tool that supports communication beyond speech alone. That can include a picture based communication book like PODD, or a speech generating device using a system like LAMP Words for Life or TouchChat.

AAC is not a last resort, and it does not replace speech development. Research consistently shows that giving a child a reliable way to communicate now supports language growth over time, rather than slowing it down. Every child's system looks different, because every child communicates differently.

Certified training you can trust with your child's voice

Erin Boswell, RSL-P, SLP-C, has spent 18+ years working with children and adults who communicate in different ways. She is certified in LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning), PODD, and TouchChat, and she is a Registered Autism Service Provider (RASP) in British Columbia.

That combination means Erin can match your child with a communication system built for how they think and move, not a generic template. Her approach is neurodiversity affirming: the goal is to support your child's own communication, not to push them toward a particular way of communicating.

What to expect with AAC Therapy in Vancouver

AAC assessment

A hands on session where Erin observes how your child currently communicates and identifies which symbols, systems, or devices are the best fit.

Building the system

Erin sets up and customizes the chosen AAC system, whether that is a PODD book, a LAMP based device, or TouchChat software, so it matches your child from day one.

Coaching and follow up

Ongoing sessions build your child's fluency with the system and help you and other caregivers learn how to support communication at home.

What changes when your child can communicate

Families often tell Erin that the biggest shift is not one specific word or phrase. It is watching their child stop struggling to be understood. Fewer meltdowns rooted in frustration. More participation at school. A child asking for a favorite snack, telling you their stomach hurts, or simply saying they love you, in whatever way works for them.

AAC does not just teach communication. It gives your child a voice that is truly their own.

Frequently asked questions about AAC

Will AAC stop my child from developing speech?

No. Research shows AAC supports language development rather than replacing it. Many children who use AAC go on to develop more spoken language, because they are building language skills either way.

How do I know if my child needs AAC?

If your child is non-speaking, minimally verbal, or hard to understand across settings, an AAC assessment can clarify what would help. There is no minimum age or diagnosis required to start the conversation.

What is the difference between PODD, LAMP, and TouchChat?

PODD is a picture based communication book. LAMP Words for Life and TouchChat are speech generating device systems, each with its own layout and motor pattern. Erin is certified in all three and will recommend the system that fits your child's motor skills, vision, and communication style.