For Families

Supporting Your Child. Supporting Your Family.

Communication can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure what your child needs or what the next step should be.

At Core AACcess Consulting, families come first. We believe supporting a child’s communication also means supporting the people who know and love them best.

Whether your child is developing spoken language, uses AAC, has a communication device that isn’t working as you’d hoped, or you’re simply wondering where to begin, we’re here to help you navigate the next step.

Services

AAC Evaluations

Comprehensive AAC evaluations to identify communication systems and supports that best fit your child’s individual needs.

AAC-Focused Speech & Language Therapy

Individualized therapy supporting speech, language, and functional communication, with AAC integrated throughout when appropriate.

AAC Consultations & Parent Coaching

Individualized guidance for families who have questions about AAC, need help with an existing system, or want practical strategies to support communication at home.

AAC Setup & Customization

Personalized support to organize and customize your child’s AAC system so it better reflects their communication needs, routines, and everyday life.

AAC Sidekicks: Sibling Sessions

Individualized sessions that help siblings learn meaningful ways to communicate, connect, and support their sibling who uses AAC.

AAC Social Communication Groups

Small AAC-focused groups where children can build social communication skills, connect with peers, and practice authentic communication in a supportive environment.

School & Team Collaboration

Collaboration with your child’s educational team to support consistent AAC use and communication strategies across home, school, and other environments.

IEP Meeting Support

Virtual participation in IEP meetings to review AAC evaluation findings, explain recommendations, and support collaborative planning with your child’s educational team.

Private pay services are available for families seeking individualized speech, language, and AAC support. No referral is required.

Frequently Asked Questions for Families

How do I know if my child may benefit from AAC?

AAC may be appropriate when a child has difficulty communicating their wants, needs, thoughts, feelings, or ideas using speech alone. AAC can support children who are nonspeaking, minimally speaking, difficult to understand, or who need another reliable way to communicate. A consultation or AAC evaluation can help determine whether AAC should be explored and what type of support may be appropriate.

Will AAC stop my child from learning to talk?

No. AAC is augmentative, meaning it adds to and supports a child’s existing communication—it does not take away from verbal speech. AAC gives children another way to express themselves while continuing to support the development of spoken language. By providing access to words, language, and meaningful communication, AAC can help children build their overall language skills while allowing speech to develop alongside it.

Does my child have to be nonspeaking to use AAC?

No. AAC can be helpful for children with many different communication profiles. Some children use AAC as their primary form of communication, while others use speech and AAC together. The important question is whether the child currently has a reliable way to communicate what they want and need to say.

My child already has an AAC device but is not using it. Can you help?

Yes. Having a device does not automatically mean a child has a functional communication system. We can look at the device setup, vocabulary, layout, access, modeling, communication opportunities, and how the system is being supported across environments. AAC consultation can help identify barriers and create practical next steps.

Do you provide speech therapy for children who use AAC?

Yes. Core AACcess provides individualized speech-language therapy for children with a range of communication needs, including children who use AAC. Therapy can support spoken language, AAC use, receptive and expressive language, social communication, and functional communication based on the individual child’s needs.

Can you help customize my child's AAC system?

Yes. AAC setup and customization may include vocabulary, organization, grid or layout considerations, access, personalization, and settings. The goal is to create a system that is accessible, functional, and able to grow with the child.

Can you work with my child's school or other therapists?

Yes. Communication works best when the important people in a child’s life are working together. With appropriate parent permission, Core AACcess can collaborate with school teams, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, BCBAs, teachers, and other providers to improve consistency across settings.

What if I am not sure which service my child needs?

That is exactly what the complimentary 20-minute virtual consultation is for. Families can share their concerns, ask questions, and discuss whether speech-language therapy, an AAC evaluation, AAC consultation, or another form of support may be the best next step.

NOT SURE WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS? LET’S TALK.

Have questions about your child’s communication, AAC, or which service might be the right fit? Schedule a complimentary 20-minute virtual consultation to share your concerns, ask questions, and determine the best next step for your child.

No commitment. Just a place to start.

Servicing North & Central Jersey