AAC, communication devices and Key Word Sign

Every child has something to say. Some children say it with words, and some also use signs, pictures, gestures or a communication device. AAC, short for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, is the name for all these other ways to communicate. Our Speech Pathologists help children and families find and use the ways of communicating that work for them, at our Burleigh Waters and Hope Island clinics on the Gold Coast, and by telehealth. We also run Accredited Key Word Sign Workshops.

Phone 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au.

What AAC is

AAC is any way of communicating other than speaking. “Augmentative” means it is used alongside speech. “Alternative” means it is used instead of speech, some or all of the time. We all use some AAC: we wave, point, nod, read signs and send messages.

AAC can be:

No tech: gestures, body language, facial expressions and Key Word Sign;
Low tech: objects, photos, pictures, symbols and communication boards or books;
High tech: an app on a tablet, or a speech generating device that speaks the words a person chooses.

Key Word Sign uses signs, together with speech and natural gestures, for the main words in a sentence. For example, while saying “Do you want more bubbles?”, you sign MORE and BUBBLES. Key Word Sign borrows its signs from Auslan, the language of the Australian Deaf community.

Our approach

Our team has been building its skills in neurodiversity-affirming practice since 2022. For AAC, this means:

every way your child communicates counts: looks, sounds, gestures, signs, symbols, devices and words;
AAC is a full way to communicate, not a last resort and not something a child has to earn;
some children, including many autistic children, find speaking harder at some times than others, for example when they are tired, upset or overwhelmed. Having another way to communicate at those times matters;
you decide, with your therapist, what works for your child and your family.

Signs parents notice

These are things families often mention. They are not a checklist, and a child does not need to show any of them to try AAC. If you are unsure, a chat with reception is a good first step.

Getting a message across

Has lots to say but few words, or words that are hard for others to understand.
Mostly points, leads you by the hand or cries to ask for things.
Gets very frustrated, or gives up, when they are not understood.
Uses some words at home but not in other places, or not when they are upset.

At school and with others

Finds it hard to join in, answer or ask questions at school, even though they understand.
Their teachers or educators want to use signs or symbols and are not sure where to start.
Wants more independence in talking with friends, at work or out in the community.

Their current system

Has a device or communication book, but it is rarely used at home or at school.
Has outgrown their current system, or wants one that suits their age and interests.

If you are worried about your child’s hearing, or your child stops using words or skills they had before, please see your GP. Your GP can arrange a hearing check.

How we help

Depending on your child’s goals, your therapist may:

help your child build a core vocabulary that matters to them, using gestures, body language, Key Word Sign, symbols or a speech generating device;
show you how to model: you point to symbols or sign while you talk, without asking your child to copy;
start small, with one daily routine and a few useful words such as MORE, ALL DONE, GO, STOP and HELP;
use mealtimes, bath time, getting dressed, play and books as chances to communicate;
help keep the system with your child and within reach through the day, so their way to communicate is always there;
share ideas with your child’s educators, so home, childcare and school can work together.

Parents are always involved, especially for children under 8. Our approach relies on working with you, so we are probably not the right service if you are looking for drop-off therapy.

Where. At our Burleigh Waters clinic (Treetops Square, 2 Classic Way), our Hope Island clinic (8 Halcyon Way), or by telehealth at home. We also do some school, childcare and home visits where possible and clinically suitable; a travel fee applies.

Practice between sessions. Our Therapy Assistants can practise your child’s communication goals at home, at childcare or out in the community, following a plan written by their Speech Pathologist.

Which therapist your child will see

A Speech Pathologist. All our Speech Pathologists are Certified Practising Speech Pathologists (CPSP) with Speech Pathology Australia. Several of our Speech Pathologists have a particular interest and experience in AAC, and our team are certified Key Word Sign instructors.

Our Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists work under one roof and can offer joint sessions. See Speech Pathology for everything our Speech Pathologists work on.

What a first visit looks like

Send a referral through our contact form, call 07 5559 9888 or come in and see reception. You do not need a letter from a GP.
We send you an intake form about your child, what support they may need, and their strengths and interests.
Our Directors read it and match your child with a therapist suited to their needs. Some families have an intake meeting with a Director first to set goals together. Depending on waitlists, your child is booked in or placed on the waiting list.

Your first appointment. The first Speech Pathology appointment is a little longer, so your therapist can get to know your child: 60 minutes face to face, plus time afterwards for notes, follow up and therapy planning. It may include talking with you about how your child communicates now, what they enjoy and want to talk about, and any AAC they already use. Prices are on Therapist Fees.

What it costs and how funding can help

Fees. The first Speech Pathology appointment is $290.70 (60 minutes face to face, plus 30 minutes for notes, follow up and therapy planning). After that, a standard session is $209.95 (65 minutes billed: 50 minutes face to face, plus 15 minutes for planning, preparation, notes and session summaries).

Therapy Assistants. $56.16 per hour when your child’s therapist supervises directly, or $86.79 per hour when the Therapy Assistant works on their own with your child at home, childcare or in the community (Therapy Assistant Fees).

NDIS. If therapy is in your child’s NDIS plan, the cost may be covered by the plan. We see self-managed and plan-managed clients, not NDIA-managed plans.

Medicare. With a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, Medicare pays back approximately $63.40 per session (as of 1 July 2026) for up to 5 sessions a calendar year. Your GP decides whether your child is eligible. You can claim eligible rebates on the spot at reception.

Private health. With extras cover that includes therapy, you may be eligible for a rebate. The amount depends on your cover, so check with your fund.

For a worked example and an estimate calculator, see What will I pay?. NDIS, Medicare or private health explains each option.

Group programs that fit

Key Word Sign Workshops. We run Accredited Key Word Sign Workshops, basic and intermediate. Dates are posted on Workshops and Groups when a workshop is booked; call reception to register interest.

This term (Term 4 2026) our current group is the Prep Readiness Group, for children getting ready to start school: see Getting ready for Prep. Our summer school holiday programs are being finalised. See Workshops and Groups for what is on, or call 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au to register interest.

Questions families ask

Will AAC stop my child from learning to talk?

This is a common worry. AAC gives your child a way to get their message across while their speech develops, and adults keep saying the words as they sign or press a symbol. That means your child hears the words more often, not less. Read more in AAC myths busted.

Does my child need certain skills before starting AAC?

No. Your child does not need to show particular skills first. Your therapist starts from how your child communicates now and builds from there.

Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?

No. You do not need a diagnosis or a referral to start therapy with us: you can refer your child yourself, and most families do. A referral, such as a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate. See Funding.

Can we use NDIS, Medicare or private health?

We see NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. Medicare rebates may apply with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, and eligible rebates can be claimed on the spot at reception. Families with private health extras cover may be able to claim a rebate. For a worked example, see What will I pay?

Talk to our team

Burleigh Waters and Hope Island, 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Phone 07 5559 9888 or email reception@mytherapyspace.com.au.