Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) with Music Therapy
October 23, 2025
What is AAC?
by Gina G. Glidewell, MT-BC
October is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness about different communication methods for people who have difficulty speaking.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes all forms of communication (other than oral speech) that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas.
What is AAC and why is it used?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) describes multiple ways to communicate that can supplement or compensate (either temporarily or permanently) for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders.
Whether your child is speaking, signing or using Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC devices) music therapy and specifically your music therapist can help clients learn and practice speech and communication skills during music therapy sessions.
See this video below that shows one AAC application we commonly see in music therapy sessions.
For more info, visit https://www.kidlinks.org/news/2023/02/what-is-aac
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