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Best Communication Tools for Nonverbal Children

BySpectrum

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

communication-tools

As parents, one of our deepest wishes is to understand what our children need and how they feel. For families of nonverbal or minimally verbal kids, communication tools can be life-changing. A communication tool isn not just supports—they’re bridges that open up connection, understanding, and independence. The right communication tools can give them that voice, and give us a way to truly hear them.

The beautiful part is, families today have more options than ever before. From simple picture cards to advanced apps, there are so many ways to help your child express themselves. In this post, I’ll walk you through some of the most trusted options, and you’ll also find a free printable set of communication cards to help you begin right away.

1. Low-Tech Communication Tools: PECS and Visual Supports

The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is one of the most widely used evidence-based methods. This communication tool teaches a child to hand over a picture to request an item or activity, starting with simple exchanges (“I want cookie”) and gradually moving toward full sentences and even question answering.

Many families choose to begin with PECS because it’s simple, concrete, and affordable. You can get started with just a few printed cards. More importantly, it helps children truly grasp the power of communication by physically exchanging something, which builds a strong foundation for moving on to more advanced tools later.

Where it works best

  • Home: At mealtimes, during play, or for bathroom requests—e.g., your child hands “snack” to ask nicely.
  • Schools or Preschools: Teachers encourage children to initiate interactions—like asking for help or sharing favorite toys.
  • Therapy Settings: SLPs use PECS to teach request-making, turn-taking, and to lay foundational skills for speech. Research shows PECS often increases functional communication and may even encourage expressive speech over time.

Alongside PECS, visual supports—like picture schedules or choice boards—are powerful everyday tools. They give children predictability, reduce frustration, and can be used in nearly any setting.

2. High-Tech Communication Tools: AAC Apps and Devices

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps and devices are another powerful category of communication tools. These tools give children a digital voice by converting symbols, words, or text into speech. They’re portable, customizable, and can grow with your child’s needs. One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t really a single “best” AAC app. Each one is different in its own way, and the right fit depends on your child’s strengths, preferences, and communication goals.

Personal tip: If you’re considering using a tablet for AAC, I highly recommend investing in a really sturdy case. Kids can be full of energy and their movements aren’t always predictable, so having extra protection brings peace of mind. Something like an OtterBox case is a great option. It’s one of the most durable choices out there and truly worth the investment to keep your child’s device safe.

  1. Proloquo2Go (by AssistiveWare): Highly customizable, widely used across ages.
  2. TouchChat (by Saltillo): Includes word prediction and customizable board layouts.
  3. Avaz AAC: Child-friendly, rich vocabulary, with voice output.

Note: These paid apps sometimes go on sale once or twice a year, so if you’re on a budget, keep an eye out for discounts.

Noteworthy Free or Freemium Options

  • LetMeTalk: Easy-to-use, symbol-based communication.
  • CoughDrop: Cloud-based AAC tool with great sharing features.
  • Speech Assistant AAC: Straightforward and effective for text-to-speech.
  • Cboard: Free, web-based AAC app that works across devices.
  • ACAT (Assistive Context-Aware Toolkit): Free tool originally created by Intel, flexible and adaptable.
  • Other helpful apps: ChatterPix, Grid Player, TalkTablet, Weave Chat.

Emerging Option

  • Spoken – Tap to Talk AAC: Uses smart word prediction and customizable voices, making it engaging for older children.

3. Combining Options: Multi-Modal Communication

For many children, a combination of communication tools works best. Some families begin with PECS to help their child make simple requests, then later add an AAC app as their child’s vocabulary and communication needs expand—making it possible to answer questions, tell stories, and share more of their world.

Visual supports, such as Picture Communication Symbols (PCS), can also be a wonderful addition. These symbols are easy for young learners to understand and can be printed into choice boards, daily schedules, or communication cards. They blend seamlessly across both low-tech and high-tech tools, giving families flexibility in different situations.

Together, these communication tools can ease frustration, build independence, and nurture language growth. Most importantly, they allow children to use whichever method feels most natural in the moment—whether that’s handing over a card or tapping on a screen.

4. Free Download: Communication Cards for Home & School

To help families get started, I’ve created free downloadable files of 134 communication cards that can be printed and used both at home and at school. These include:

  • Basic request cards (e.g., “eat,” “more,” “help”)
  • Emotion and choice cards (“happy,” “want,” “yes/no”)
  • Daily routine cards (“bath,” “play,”)
School Communication Cards
Home Communication Cards

Feel free to print and introduce these in daily routines. Place them on a binder, stick on Velcro boards, or pack them in your child’s backpack to use in any environment.

✔️Tip: PECS is a often more affordable communication tool than many paid AAC apps. And to make it even more budget-friendly, you can DIY your own communication set. A simple trick is to laminate the cards with Laminating Paper Sheets so they last longer, then add small Velcro dots to the back. This way, you can easily place them on a Velcro board and swap them in and out for use at home or on the go.

Final Encouragement

If your child isn’t yet talking yet, don’t worry—communication doesn’t have to wait. Whether it’s a simple picture card or a high-tech AAC app, the right communication tools can give our kids a real way to be heard.

When my son, Luca, was little, I didn’t know anything about PECS or AAC apps, so I turned to sign language instead. Looking back, I can’t help but think how much easier things might have been for him with those tools. It makes me so grateful that families today have more resources right at their fingertips. Many parents find that starting with PECS builds a strong foundation, and then moving on to an AAC app allows for even bigger expression as their child grows.

At the end of the day, it’s not about the specific communication tool you choose. What matters most is helping your child connect with you and the world around them. You’re not just giving your child words—you’re giving them a voice, and that’s something truly powerful.

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