People who are nonverbal or have limited verbal skills need to have either alternative modes of communication or methods to augment their spoken message. Facial expressions, body language, and gestures are naturally occurring augmentative and alternative modes. The use of objects, pictures, signs, and electronic voice output are additional modes that can be taught and made available, as well. In each case, it is likely that a client will use a combination of all of these.
Community Therapy Services believes that people have a right to interact with their environment and communicate with others. For some people, physical challenges involving the mouth, hands, arms, and head limit successful interaction. For some with socialization challenges, communication and socialization might be improved through the use of writing or computerized systems.