What Happens During an AAC Evaluation? A Parent’s Step-by-Step Guide
When families hear “AAC evaluation,” they often picture a child sitting at a table and trying several communication apps. Device trials may be part of the process, but a strong, comprehensive AAC evaluation is much broader. The goal is to understand the whole person, their everyday communication needs, and build a communication system that works for them in real life.
If you’re looking for an AAC evaluation in the East Bay, you may be wondering what the process involves and how it can help your child communicate. This guide walks you through what to expect, from learning about your child’s strengths and needs to exploring communication tools together.
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. Meaning, any form of communication other than verbal speech. This may include gestures, signs, printed symbols, communication boards, speech-generating devices and tablets with AAC apps, spelling & typing, and other tools that support communication.
“Augmentative” means adding to the speech they already have.
“Alternative” means providing another way to communicate when speech is not reliable enough.
There are absolutely no age, diagnosis, or skill prerequisites for AAC. If a person cannot say everything they want to say, in the places and with the people who matter, it is appropriate to explore AAC.
Why a comprehensive AAC evaluation matters
An AAC assessment looks at how your child communicates now and what supports could help them communicate more effectively. An AAC system must fit more than a person’s vocabulary. It must also fit their body, vision, hearing, sensory needs, environments, language, interests, and communication partners. A system that looks good in a clinic may fail if it is hard to see in a classroom or day program, difficult to reach from a wheelchair, or missing the words needed at home.
A comprehensive evaluation helps the team avoid choosing a system based only on diagnosis, popularity, or a short demonstration. It also creates the documentation that an insurance plan or another funding source may require for a speech-generating device.
What happens before the appointment?
The process usually begins with a detailed history. Families may be asked about the person’s current communication, speech and language development, medical history, hearing and vision, motor skills, school or work demands, and previous AAC experiences.
It helps to bring the current device or communication book, charger, mount, keyguard, glasses, hearing aids, and any past reports. Short videos from home or school can also show how communication changes across people and settings.
The main parts of an AAC evaluation
Inventory of their current communication. The SLP observes speech, vocalizations, facial expressions, gestures, signs, body movements, pictures, typing, and any current AAC devices.
Formal and informal testing. The SLP explores what the person understands, how they express ideas, and where communication breaks down. They also look beyond requesting preferred objects and activities. Other reasons for communication include; social connection, asking questions, sharing information, self-advocacy, and repairing misunderstandings. Informal testing may involve questionnaires, interviews, observations, and communication sampling.
Physical access. The best system is useless if the person cannot access it efficiently. The team may explore direct touch, a keyguard, larger buttons, eye gaze, head pointing, switch scanning, partner-assisted scanning, positioning, or mounting.
Vision, hearing, and sensory access. Symbol size, symbol spacing, contrast, screen brightness, sound, movement, fatigue, and the surrounding environment can all affect access. A vision specialist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or other providers may contribute information.
Feature matching. Instead of asking, “Which device is best?” we ask, “Which features does this person need?” Examples include symbol-based language, spelling, bilingual vocabulary, visual supports, alternative access, portability, durability, and a voice that fits the user. The list of needs is then fit to tools and devices that have those features.
System trials. We may try more than one speech generating device or AAC app during trials. Trials should include meaningful activities and familiar communication partners, not only structured tasks at a clinic table. Longer AAC device trials gives your child, and everyone on their team, time to use a potential system during real activities before recommendations are finalized.
Family and team input. The AAC user and family should be central to decision-making. Teachers, caregivers, medical providers, and other therapists may add useful information about daily routines and access needs.
Comprehensive report with treatment plan
Meeting to review report, discuss treatment plan, answer questions, and schedule treatment services.
A good evaluation asks: What will help this person say what they want to say, to whom they want to say it, wherever they need to communicate?
What should families expect after the evaluation?
The written report should explain the person’s strengths, communication needs, access needs, systems considered, trial results, and recommendations. Recommendations may include a speech-generating device, low-tech backups, accessories, mounting, training, and ongoing AAC therapy.
Selection is not the finish line. AAC assessment is an ongoing process. Vocabulary, access, positioning, and technology may need to change as the person grows and their daily life changes. Training for family members and other communication partners is also essential.
Questions parents can ask
How will my child and their team participate in choosing and trying systems?
How will you assess motor, visual, sensory, and language access?
How will family and school input be included?
What is the timeline for this evaluation?
What backup communication will be available when technology is not?
What training and follow-up are included after a system is selected?
AAC evaluations in Pleasant Hill and the East Bay
The ProAACtive SLP provides proactive, collaborative AAC evaluations for children and adults with complex communication needs. Our team considers multimodal communication, functional participation, equipment trials, and alternative access such as eye gaze, switches, scanning, keyguards, mounts, and partner-assisted scanning.
If your family is looking for an AAC specialist in Pleasant Hill or the greater East Bay, contact us to discuss an evaluation, therapy, or caregiver coaching. Communication is a human right, and every person deserves a reliable way to be heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an AAC evaluation take?
The process will take several visits because observations, feature matching, device trials, team input, and funding documentation cannot always be completed in one appointment. Ask and clarify with the SLP!
Does my child need to know how to use pictures first?
No. AAC has no prerequisite skills. The evaluation helps determine which symbols, access methods, and supports make sense for the individual.
Will the evaluation automatically result in a device?
Not necessarily right now. The recommendations will be based on demonstrated needs, family and caregiver input, and trial information. It may include high-tech AAC, low-tech supports, unaided communication, or a combination.
Our AAC specialists in Pleasant Hill work with families throughout the East Bay.
AAC Services: https://www.proaactiveslp.com/aac
About Us: https://www.proaactiveslp.com/about
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