Complex Communication Needs. People with complex communication needs have communication impairments and limitations associated with a wide range of physical, sensory, cognitive and environmental causes that restrict or limit their ability to participate independently in society. They and their communication partners may benefit from using AAC methods either temporarily or permanently (Balandin, 2002).

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). The term ‘augmentative’ in this context means supplemental or additional to speech. Augmentative techniques (e.g. gestures, facial expressions, and items of reference) are commonly used when communicating and interacting with others. The use of the term ‘alternative’ acknowledges that there are some individuals whose speech is sufficiently impaired that they must rely completely on strategies, systems, and techniques which do not augment but are alternatives to speech (e.g speech generating devices, tablets, sign language, object symbol, communication book) (Vanderheiden & Yoder, 1996).