The sounds made when babbling or speaking that make up the words we say.

We use our tongue, lips, palate, respiratory system, lots of different muscles, and different areas of our brain. A lot of complex movements occur to coordinate the sounds and sound patterns of the language we speak, our speaking rhythm, volume and voice.

The meaningful gestures, symbols, words and sentences we use and understand.

How we use words and sentences to get our message across (expressive language) and how we understand words and sentences of others (receptive language). Language can be written, spoken, read, or listened to. It can be signed, include symbols, gestures, or other AAC.

Every word or symbol has a unique meaning. There are rules for what order the words have to go in, rules for changing the meaning of the word by adding sounds (like -ing or -ed) and then that may change how you say the word. Then there different ways we might put all of this together depending on what we trying to get done; ask for help, tell a story, say hello.

Strategies and tools that support a person who has difficulty using speech so they can get their message across.

AAC refers to systems, tools, devices, or strategies that support spoken communication (augment) or replace spoken communication (as an alternative to speech). It can include the use of gesture, sign languages, facial expression, written or alphabet systems, picture symbol boards, and high tech devices or computer systems with or without synthesised speech. AAC can be used permanently or temporarily, especially to support language development.

Different people communicate in different ways to connect with others, to share information, and to stay safe.

People may change the words they use, the topics they talk about, the way their voice sounds, the stories they tell, their body language, the things they don’t say - all depending on who they are with, where they are, and what they are feeling.

Neurodivergent and neurotypical people often have different expectations, preferences, or needs for different interactions or activities. Neurodivergent people may need support to communicate with neurotypical people, just as much as neurotypical need support to communicate with and understand the needs of neurodivergent people.