AAC Speech Therapy for Complex Communication Needs in Dubai
Every child deserves a reliable way to be understood. For children who do not yet speak, speak only a little, or whose speech is hard for others to follow, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can make a real difference to daily life. At ABLE UK, our speech-language pathologists assess for and support AAC for children in Dubai, alongside work on spoken language where that is a goal, in English, Arabic or both.
What is AAC?
AAC covers any way of communicating that adds to or replaces speech. “Augmentative” means it supports speech; “alternative” means it is used instead of speech. Most of us use some AAC every day, such as gestures, facial expressions and writing. For children with complex communication needs, AAC is planned and taught so it becomes a dependable tool.
Low-tech AAC
- Signs and gestures, including Makaton
- Picture symbols, choice boards and communication books
- Visual schedules to support understanding
High-tech AAC
- Speech-generating devices and tablet-based communication apps
- Systems organised around core vocabulary, with words that can be combined into sentences
- Options with Arabic and English vocabulary for bilingual families
Who can benefit from AAC?
AAC can help children with a wide range of needs, including:
- Autistic children who are non-speaking or minimally speaking. See speech therapy for autism.
- Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, while motor-based speech therapy continues
- Children with cerebral palsy or other conditions affecting the muscles used for speech
- Children with Down syndrome and other genetic or chromosomal conditions
- Children with significant language delay, for whom speech alone is not yet enough
Does AAC stop children from talking?
This is the most common concern families raise. Current research does not show that AAC prevents speech from developing. For many children, having a reliable way to communicate reduces frustration and supports language growth, and some children use more spoken words once AAC is in place. Where speech is a goal, therapy can work on spoken language and AAC at the same time.
How we assess for AAC
An AAC assessment looks at how your child currently communicates, what they understand, their vision, hearing and fine motor skills, how they access objects and screens, and the settings where they need to communicate. We also consider your family’s languages and preferences. From this, the therapist recommends a starting system and how it should be introduced, rather than a one-size-fits-all device.
How we teach AAC
Modelling
Children learn AAC the way they learn spoken language: by seeing others use it. Therapists and parents model on the system during real activities, pointing to words while speaking, without expecting the child to copy straight away.
Core vocabulary
We focus on flexible, frequently used words such as “more”, “stop”, “go”, “like” and “not”, which can be combined to say many different things across situations.
Family and school training
AAC works best when it is available all day. We show parents, carers and, with your consent, school staff how to use and model the system, keep it accessible and update vocabulary as your child grows.
Working with your child’s wider team
Children with complex communication needs often work with several professionals. At ABLE UK, speech therapy can be coordinated with occupational therapy for positioning and access, paediatric feeding therapy, oral placement therapy and ABA, so that AAC is used consistently across sessions. Our article on technology in speech therapy explains more about digital communication tools.
Your AAC team
AAC support is provided by speech-language pathologists including Sahar Elsamahi, who is trained in ComPAL AAC and works bilingually in Arabic and English, and Nourin C.K., who works with functional communication and AAC.
AAC speech therapy at DHCC and JLT
ABLE UK has supported families in Dubai since 2014, building on 25 years of UK clinical heritage, and is DHA-licensed and DHCC-credentialed. AAC assessment and therapy are available at our clinics in Dubai Healthcare City (Building 33) and JLT (Fortune Executive Tower, Cluster T).
Frequently asked questions about AAC
What does AAC stand for?
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. It includes any method of communication that supports or replaces speech, from signs, gestures and picture symbols to speech-generating devices and communication apps.
Will using AAC stop my child from learning to talk?
Current research does not show that AAC stops children from developing speech. For many children it reduces frustration and supports language development, and therapy can work on spoken words and AAC together where speech is a goal.
How young can a child start using AAC?
There is no minimum age or set of skills a child needs before starting AAC. Very young children can begin with simple low-tech options such as signs and picture choices, with the system developing as they grow.
Which AAC device is best for my child?
There is no single best device. The right system depends on your child’s understanding, vision, motor skills, languages and daily settings. A speech-language pathologist assesses these and recommends a starting point that can be adjusted over time.
Is AAC available in Arabic?
Yes. Some AAC systems and apps include Arabic vocabulary or can be customised, and low-tech systems can be built in Arabic, English or both. Our bilingual therapists help families choose and set up a system that reflects the languages used at home.
How can parents support AAC at home?
Keep the system within reach all day, model on it while you talk without requiring your child to copy, and use it during enjoyable routines such as play, meals and outings. Your therapist will show you how and suggest vocabulary to focus on.
Book an AAC consultation
Talk to our speech therapy team about how your child communicates now and whether AAC could help.
More from our speech therapy service:Speech and language therapy overview · Childhood Apraxia of Speech · Speech Sound Disorders · Late Talkers & Language Delay · Stuttering & Fluency · Autism & Social Communication
Clinically reviewed by Sruthy Sankar, Lead Speech-Language Pathologist at ABLE UK (Master of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, PROMPT Level 3, OPT Level 3 Specialist, Certified Myofunctional Therapist). Last reviewed October 2026.