AAC Articles

Multimodal Communication 

Written by Ms. Deborah Yong, August 2025

Multimodal communication refers to different modes of communication. 

We all use multimodal communication in our daily lives. We may wave to a friend, followed by exchanging a few words and pointing to items related to our conversation. We may then end the conversation with ‘I’ll text you more information later’ and follow up with typing on our phones and hitting send to get the message across. 

Early communicators use a variety of methods to communicate too. 

It could be a combination of vocalizations, word approximations (aka unclear speech), pointing to pictures or objects, sign language, natural gestures, body language, facial expressions, as well as an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system on a tablet.

Even for learners who use AAC books or apps, multimodal communication is important. They often use the fastest and most efficient way of communication available to them in the moment. All methods of communication have their place and should be valued, respected and responded to (Hartmann, 2024).

When I conduct an AAC assessment, I like to draw a diagram explaining all the ways we can communicate to remind caregivers to honour all forms of communication.  

If you are a caregiver, you may find yourself able to respond to your child's communication attempts, but struggling to share these observations to others in a clear and concise manner.

If you are a service provider (e.g. Speech-Language Therapist (SLT)/Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Special Education Teacher) and have a whole caseload or classroom to manage, remembering the meaning of every client's gesture and vocalization is tough! 

Introducing the Personalized Communication Dictionary Kit!

A Personalized Communication Dictionary is basically a compilation of an individual's communication attempts, along with its meaning and how communication partners should respond.

It is useful to 

• encourage appropriate responses to a student’s communication attempts (which then increases the likelihood that the student will repeat it)

• reduce communication breakdowns

• support back and forth interaction

Wanna get started now? Sign up for my occasional newsletter below and download your free 10-page Personalized Communication Dictionary Kit!