Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems: How To Start Using Them
December 02, 2025
Introduction
Augmentative and alternative communication systems are methods of communication other than speech to support those with language and communication difficulties. Examples of these systems include sign language, communication charts, choice boards, and Makaton. These systems can be beneficial for many people as they facilitate communication and support understanding.
Whilst augmentative and alternative communication systems can have many benefits, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are many types of systems, and it can be confusing to know what to use and how to begin using it.
The easiest way to begin using augmentative and alternative communication systems is to incorporate them into routines you already have. Your to-do lists, routines, travel, and play can all remain the same. Augmentative and alternative communication can just provide that additional support. This article will look at ways you can incorporate different augmentative and alternative communication systems to promote and facilitate communication.
Morning and Evening Routines
When you wake up and go to sleep, you most likely have some form of routine you follow, even if it isn’t planned or written down. When waking up, you may start by brushing your teeth and finish by putting your shoes on. When going to bed, you may start by reading a book and finish by doing a skincare routine.
However, these transitions can be challenging and stressful for some people, and navigating these transitions without a routine or visual aids can sometimes make it even more challenging.
Here are some ideas to support these transitions with augmentative and alternative communication systems:
- Using Now and Next boards with pictures to symbolise an activity. For example, now we are going to make our bed, and next we are going to brush our teeth.
- Providing two or three pictures of outfits for the individual to choose from. This can reduce the overwhelm and stress of choosing an outfit in the morning.
- Discussing the routine with the individual and letting them help create it. From this, you can then create a routine with images or symbols to refer to.
Mealtimes
Mealtimes can be another stressful transition for many people. It involves a transition and, depending on the environment, it may be loud, busy, and have new smells. Struggling with communication may make this experience even more challenging; the individual may not be able to clearly express their needs or wants, or know what to do at mealtimes.
Ways to use augmentative and alternative communication systems to support mealtimes include:
- Providing visual options for them to choose their own food. For example, these could be pictures or symbols, and they can be in a communication book or a communication/choice board.
- Using signs and symbols for “eat” and “drink” to support understanding and provide context.
- Using a visual routine to support the transition to meal time. For example: wash hands, sit at the table, pour water.
- Having symbols to reinforce when a transition is about to occur. For example, a 5-minute card in orange and a finished card in red.
Playing and Other Activities
Playing is a great way to learn, and incorporating augmentative and alternative communication systems can support this play. Ways you can do this include:
- You can sign different colours and textures or use communication boards for visual instructions when doing a craft activity.
- You can use symbols as labels to make finding resources easier. For example, the painting symbol for paints and paintbrushes.
- Music is a great way to play and learn. You can incorporate Makaton signs and symbols into rhyme times to support early communication. You can learn the Makaton signs for many nursery rhymes with Mr Tumble or with SingingHandsUK.
- Making choosing easier with option boards such as “This or That”. This can include pictures or symbols.
Going Out and About
Leaving the house can bring several worries and challenges when someone struggles to communicate. You may worry that the individual you are with may struggle to follow directions, such as when crossing the road or entering a shop. You may also worry that they may not be able to communicate their needs or wants to others.
Here are some ways you can support a person with communication difficulties when out and about:
- Bring a communication book with you that has key symbols personalised to the individual. This may include more general terms such as “toilet”, “go”, “shop”, “park” or more personalised words such as the names of their favourite toys or names of family members.
- If it is a place where a communication book may be difficult to bring, you can make laminated cards with symbols and wear them on a lanyard or a keychain.
- Using Makaton signs when giving instructions. For example, saying “stop” when crossing the road or saying where you are going, such as “park” or “shop”.
- Using Makaton signs when talking. For example, saying “I can see the bus” or “that cake looks yummy”.
Incorporate Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems In a Fun and Natural Way
As mentioned, the most important thing to remember when beginning to use augmentative and alternative communication systems in your everyday life is that they need to fit naturally into your life.
Here are some ideas to help:
- Whatever augmentative and alternative communication system you decide to use, try to use it as often as possible. This will support all aspects of your everyday life and model the behaviour.
- Personalise the vocabulary to match interests. This will encourage starting to use the new system of communication and will provide the individual with communication that is meaningful to them.
- Don’t make it a chore or a stressful experience. If you put pressure on the individual and on yourself, it’s only going to make the experience harder, and you are more likely to stop using it. Encourage the use of the augmentative and alternative communication systems, but don’t force it.