Momentum ABA Logo

Specialized AAC & Non-Verbal Communication Support  For Autism
in Hamilton and Niagara

If your child is not yet speaking or struggles to communicate, there are clear, supportive ways to help. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) gives your child a reliable way to express their needs, wants, and ideas starting right where they are today.

Every child communicates differently. Our goal is to help your child build meaningful communication skills in a way that feels supportive, engaging, and practical for everyday life.
Child using picture cards and AAC communication supports during play-based autism therapy

What Is AAC and How Does It Help?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes tools and strategies that help your child communicate, even if they are not using spoken words yet.

AAC can include:

  • Pictures
  • Communication boards
  • Tablet-based communication apps
  • Simple gestures or signs
AAC does NOT stop speech. It often helps children develop speech by reducing frustration and giving them a way to communicate successfully.

Is AAC Right for Your Child?

AAC reduces frustration and communication-related behaviours by giving your child a voice.

Non-speaking or minimally speaking

Uses only a few words or phrases

Hard to understand when speaking

Gets frustrated trying to communicate

AAC meets your child where they are and builds from there.

Types of AAC We Use in Therapy

  • Picture-Based Communication (PECS-style) – Using pictures to request items, make choices, and communicate needs.
  • Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs) – iPads or dedicated devices that speak when your child taps words or symbols.
  • Core Word Systems – Focusing on common, powerful words like “go,” “want,” “more,” and “help” to build flexible communication.
  • Multimodal Communication – Using a mix of speech, gestures, and AAC together—whatever works best for your child.
Child using a core word AAC communication board during autism speech therapy session
Parent and child baking together in a kitchen with visual communication supports for autism

How AAC Improves Daily Life

  • Reduces frustration and challenging behaviour
  • Helps your child ask for what they need (help, break, more)
  • Builds independence at home and in the community
  • Supports social interaction with others
  • Can support spoken language over time

Our Approach to AAC Therapy

Children playing together outdoors in a park during social and communication skill development activities

We assess how your child currently communicates and what challenges they face.

We choose tools that fit your child—not a one-size-fits-all program.

We help your child use communication to express real needs like “help,” “more,” or “break.”

We build skills during play, routines, and everyday situations.

We coach you so communication continues outside of sessions.

How Our Process Works

Fill Out Our New Referrals Form

Complete our referral form so we can learn more about your child’s communication needs and how we can help.

Book Your Child’s Assessment

Our team will schedule a consultation to better understand your child’s communication strengths, challenges, and goals.

Start AAC Support & Therapy

Once the right communication supports and goals are identified, therapy can begin in a way that fits your child and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illustration of a dark purple owl holding a large yellow question mark and an info board with icons for calendar, clipboard, puzzle piece, and therapy center, representing ABA therapy FAQs.

No. AAC often supports speech development by reducing pressure and frustration.

 

No. AAC can be introduced at any age, including toddlers.

Not always. Many children start with simple systems before moving to a device.

We assess your child’s current communication, motor skills, and preferences to recommend the best-fit system.

Every child is different, but many families notice reduced frustration and clearer communication early on.

In Ontario, Speech-Language Pathology is a core clinical service eligible for coverage under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). If your family has received an invitation for Core Clinical Services or is utilizing an Interim Childhood Budget, you can use those funds directly for our speech programs.

Our Speech-Language Pathologists are registered members of CASLPO, which is a requirement for OAP reimbursement. While OAP funding typically covers clinical therapy hours, we can also provide the clinical documentation required for hardware funding applications through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

Yes. We help you use AAC across environments so your child can communicate consistently.

Start Supporting Your Child’s Communication Today

If you’re wondering whether AAC could help your child, we’re here to guide you. We’ll help you find the right tools and build real communication skills your child can use every day.

Our ABA Centres

Explore our welcoming centres in Hamilton and St. Catharines, where families find supportive spaces, caring staff, and therapy programs tailored to every age and stage.

Hamilton ABA Centre

With 13 bright and colourful therapy rooms, each uniquely designed and named, our Hamilton centre offers engaging spaces tailored to every age group and therapy need.

Hamilton ABA Centre

St. Catharines ABA Centre

Our Niagara centre features 9 spacious rooms, each with its own style and purpose. Every space is colourful, welcoming, and filled with age-appropriate activities to make learning fun and meaningful.

ABA Therapy in Your Area

We proudly serve families within about an hour of our Hamilton and St. Catharines centres — including communities across Niagara, Halton, Brant, and Haldimand–Norfolk.