The use of Alternative and Augmented Communication began in 1950 with patients who lost the ability to speak after surgery. But it was not until 1980 that AAC began to emerge as a field in its own right thanks to rapid advances in technology (computers, touch pads, voice synthesis systems, eye-tracking, etc.). 

There are several forms of AAC today: 

• AAC without technical assistance (those who do not require any external tools and use only voice, gestures, sign systems or facial expression) 

• The technically assisted CAA (with or without an electronic device to transmit or receive a message).  

There are several methods of AAC for example: 

• The Makaton programme: a comprehensive and very flexible communication programme developed by Margaret Walker, a British speech and language therapist in the 1970s, based on a vocabulary of 450 concepts organised on 8 levels (and one complementary level) and 7000 concepts organised by theme. The objective is to conduct a real reflection with the child on the choice of concepts while adapting to his or her specific needs.  This program is easily adapted to the different communication needs: development of oral, written, vocabulary, syntax, articulation, according to different levels of use. 

• The PECS program: it is an image exchange communication system developed in the USA in 1985 by Dr. Andy Bondy and speech therapist Lori Frost, implemented today worldwide with thousands of learners of all ages. The method is based on B.F. Skinner's book Verbal Behabior and is divided into six phases, the main objective being to teach functional communication.  

• The Rett University program: developed for children with Rett syndrome, this method is also adapted for children with motor and non-verbal disorders (severe cerebral palsy for example)