Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Support Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) therapy to support individuals who experience difficulty with speech and language. Our experienced speech pathologists work closely with children, adolescents, and adults, offering evidence-based interventions to enhance communication and empower individuals to connect with others.
What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?
AAC refers to methods of communication used to supplement or replace speech for individuals with difficulties in verbal expression. These methods range from simple tools like picture boards to advanced speech-generating devices. AAC enables individuals to express their thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively, promoting independence and participation in everyday life.
Types of AAC Systems:
Unaided Systems: Do not require tools and include gestures, sign language, and facial expressions.
Aided Systems: Use tools or devices, such as:
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
Speech-generating devices (e.g. tablets with communication apps).
Communication boards or books.
Who Can Benefit from AAC Therapy?
AAC therapy is designed to support individuals who struggle with verbal communication due to a range of conditions, including:
Cerebral palsy.
Down syndrome.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease or stroke.
Speech delays or language disorders.
Benefits of AAC Therapy
AAC therapy can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and their families. Benefits include:
Improved Communication: Enables individuals to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions effectively.
Increased Independence: Reduces reliance on others for communication.
Enhanced Social Interaction: Fosters meaningful relationships with family, friends, and peers.
Reduced Frustration: Minimises behavioural challenges caused by communication difficulties.
Greater Participation: Supports engagement in education, work, and community activities.
How AAC Therapy Helps Communication Development
1. Building Vocabulary
AAC therapy focuses on expanding the individual’s vocabulary, ensuring they can communicate across various contexts. This includes:
Teaching core words for everyday communication.
Introducing topic-specific words for school, work, or social activities.
2. Developing Sentence Structures
Using AAC devices, individuals learn to combine words into sentences, enhancing their ability to express complex ideas.
3. Encouraging Social Communication
Therapy activities promote skills like:
Initiating conversations.
Responding to questions.
Using AAC to build and maintain relationships.
4. Enhancing Functional Communication
AAC therapy emphasises practical communication skills, such as:
Asking for help.
Expressing preferences or needs.
Navigating public settings, like ordering at a restaurant.
Our AAC Therapy Services in Adelaide
1. AAC Assessments and Customisation
Our AAC assessments identify the most suitable communication methods for each individual. This involves:
Evaluating current communication abilities and needs.
Exploring various AAC tools and systems.
Customising AAC devices or tools to suit the individual’s preferences and goals.
2. Personalised Therapy Plans
We develop personalised therapy plans that focus on building AAC skills and achieving communication goals. Sessions may include:
Teaching individuals how to use their AAC system effectively.
Training caregivers and families to support AAC use at home.
Enhancing language development through targeted activities.
3. Training and Support for Caregivers and Educators
We work closely with caregivers, educators, and support workers to ensure AAC systems are integrated into daily routines. Training includes:
Strategies for encouraging consistent AAC use.
Techniques for troubleshooting device-related challenges.
Collaboration to align therapy goals with educational or workplace needs.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
As communication needs evolve, we provide ongoing support to:
Adjust AAC settings or tools for optimal use.
Update therapy goals based on progress.
Introduce new strategies to expand communication abilities.
How We Deliver AAC Therapy at Thrive Health Therapies
Thrive Health Therapies offers community-based, clinic-based, and telehealth AAC therapy across Adelaide.
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based AAC support in your home, school or kindergarten, or a location convenient to you throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Learn more about our service areas.
Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based sessions at our Findon clinic, equipped with AAC devices and tools.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Funding Options for AAC Therapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making augmentative and alternative communication therapy accessible for everyone:
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Why Choose Our AAC Therapy Services?
No wait time: We can start working with paediatric or adult clients straight away!
Experienced: Our speech pathologists specialise in AAC and have extensive experience working with individuals of all ages.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing speech therapy services across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our Findon clinic has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP): We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.
FAQs About Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Therapy
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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AAC therapy is beneficial for anyone who has difficulty communicating verbally. A speech pathologist can conduct an assessment to determine the most appropriate AAC system.
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We recommend a range of devices based on the individual’s needs, including communication boards, PECS, and speech-generating devices like tablets with communication apps.
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Yes! We offer home-based therapy to integrate AAC use into daily routines, as well as telehealth services for remote support.
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Progress varies depending on the individual’s goals, abilities, and consistency in using the AAC system. Many clients begin seeing improvements in communication within weeks to months.
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Yes, AAC therapy is covered under the NDIS for eligible participants.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for individuals with permanent and significant disabilities. As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants. As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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