Why AAC Matters: Debunking Myths and Supporting Speech Development in Kids
Empowering Communication with AAC: Breaking Down Myths and Embracing Connection
Welcome back to the blog! If you’re new here, I’m Natalie—a speech pathologist, parent coach, and advocate for empowering communication through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). I work in early intervention and telehealth for schools, helping families discover how AAC can support children’s voices, regardless of where they are in their communication journey. Today, let’s take a deep dive into AAC and address some of the most common myths that can prevent families from embracing this powerful tool.
Why AAC?
For many families, the thought of introducing AAC can be intimidating. There’s often a fear that using a device will limit verbal skills or somehow “replace” a child’s voice. But here’s the truth: AAC enhances communication options, and it often supports verbal speech rather than diminishing it. It opens doors to early literacy, social interaction, and language development, allowing children to express requests, comments, and questions in their own way. Think of it as a bridge, connecting children to their world on their terms.
AAC offers a way for children to communicate without limits. Just like a mobility aid enables someone with physical challenges to access their surroundings, AAC provides children with disabilities the freedom to express themselves and engage socially, making it a fundamental tool for inclusion and independence.
Types of AAC: Customizing Communication
AAC isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool. There are various levels and types, each tailored to the individual’s specific needs and skills. Here’s a look at the primary types:
Low-Tech Devices: This includes picture exchange systems and core boards where children can point to symbols to communicate. Boards come in different sizes and can be adjusted based on needs and developmental levels.
Sign Language: Basic signs like “more,” “help,” and “all done” can support early communication and are particularly helpful for children who show initial interest in verbal speech or who are working on language basics.
High-Tech Devices: iPads or specialized communication devices that have voice output, allowing children to create sentences by selecting symbols or words. These devices often come with multiple “pages” or screens for vocabulary expansion, giving children flexibility as they grow and learn.
Debunking Common Myths About AAC
Let’s break down some of the most pervasive myths about AAC and clarify how this tool can truly empower children.
Myth #1: “AAC will prevent my child from speaking.”
This is one of the most common concerns I hear from parents, but research shows that AAC often supports verbal speech rather than hindering it. Introducing AAC can actually encourage speech by reinforcing language connections in the brain. When children use AAC to communicate, they’re actively learning vocabulary, syntax, and social interaction. Many children develop speech alongside their AAC use, and for those who may never speak verbally, AAC provides a lasting means of communication.
Myth #2: “My child is too young for AAC.”
There is no “too young” for AAC when it comes to language learning. Early language skills, whether through verbal or non-verbal means, are crucial to social and cognitive development. In fact, the brain’s “plasticity” (its ability to form new connections) is highest in early childhood, so this is an ideal time to introduce AAC. Providing AAC as soon as there are indicators of communication challenges can improve long-term outcomes, laying a strong foundation for social interaction, literacy, and language skills.
Myth #3: “If we start with AAC, we’ll never be able to stop using it.”
Some children may always benefit from AAC, while others use it as a stepping stone to verbal speech. Think of AAC as a flexible tool: it can adapt to a child’s needs over time. For some, AAC is an integral, lifelong tool; for others, it’s a way to practice and build language skills that eventually lead to verbal communication. AAC is not a “forever decision”; it’s a tool that evolves with the child.
Myth #4: “AAC is just for children with severe disabilities.”
AAC is beneficial for children across a wide spectrum of needs, not just for those with significant disabilities. Children with speech delays, motor speech disorders like childhood apraxia of speech, autism, cerebral palsy, and even selective mutism can all benefit from AAC. Whether it’s a core board, a few basic signs, or a high-tech device, AAC can enhance communication for any child who needs alternative ways to connect.
Myth #5: “Using AAC means we’re giving up on verbal speech.”
Using AAC is about expanding communication options, not giving up on verbal speech. Many parents worry that using AAC might signal that we’re moving away from the goal of speaking. However, AAC is part of a supportive communication plan that allows children to express themselves as they work on verbal skills. Often, the use of AAC goes hand in hand with speech therapy, and together they work to build both expressive and receptive language skills.
Myth #6: “AAC devices are too complicated for my child to use.”
Today’s AAC devices are incredibly adaptable, and with guidance, children can learn to use them effectively. For younger children or those new to AAC, devices can be programmed with fewer options, gradually adding vocabulary as their skills grow. High-tech AAC devices are designed to be accessible, with customization options that allow for different vocabulary levels, multi-step commands, and even personalized phrases. Over time, children often become more independent and confident, mastering their devices with practice and support.
Myth #7: “AAC will make my child rely on devices rather than people.”
Far from isolating children, AAC actually encourages social interaction. It allows children to participate in turn-taking, ask questions, share opinions, and build friendships—all essential aspects of healthy social development. AAC bridges communication gaps, enabling children to connect with others in ways they couldn’t otherwise.
Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Using AAC effectively involves modeling and incorporating it into daily routines. Here are some practical tips for getting started:
Model, Model, Model: Show your child how to use AAC by modeling it yourself during regular activities. If they need help, use the device to model “help” and demonstrate how to communicate that need. The more children see AAC in action, the more comfortable they’ll become using it.
Involve the Whole Family: Encourage siblings, grandparents, and other family members to learn the basics of AAC. Consistency in different settings helps children generalize their skills and reinforces their confidence in using the device.
Create Opportunities to Communicate: Encourage your child to use AAC by slightly withholding items (like a favorite toy or snack) to prompt them to ask for it. This natural incentive helps reinforce the connection between AAC use and receiving what they want.
Expand AAC Use Beyond Home: Advocate for AAC-friendly environments at school, in therapy, and during play. Many schools now incorporate AAC into visual schedules, classroom routines, and even playground signage, creating inclusive spaces where children can communicate freely.
Celebrate Small Wins: Whether your child is pointing to “help” or forming sentences, celebrate each milestone. Learning AAC is a process, and every step brings them closer to confident, autonomous communication.
One of my most memorable experiences involved a young girl with severe phonological distortions that made her speech nearly unintelligible. She had previously been trialed with an AAC device, but it wasn’t followed through. During our session, I reassured her that this was a safe space to try and that I’d be there to support her every step of the way. When I brought out a core board for her to try, her eyes lit up, and without hesitation, she used it to say, 'Yes, please,' expressing for the first time her desire to communicate fully. Seeing her gain that autonomy and confidence was a reminder of the power AAC has to give children a voice, a voice that had previously felt beyond reach.
Final Thoughts: Embracing AAC for Empowered Communication
Introducing AAC can be a game-changer for families and children alike. It’s about supporting a fundamental human right: the right to communicate, connect, and be understood. Every child deserves the chance to participate in conversations, express needs and desires, and form meaningful relationships. AAC is a powerful way to offer that chance, making communication accessible and achievable for children of all abilities.
If you’d like to learn more, explore options, or schedule a consultation, feel free to check out my bio or website. Together, we can support your child on this journey to empowered communication and connection.
References
Beukelman, D. R., & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Supporting Children and Adults with Complex Communication Needs (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
Brady, N. C., Bruce, S., Goldman, A., & Erickson, K. A. (2016). Communication Services and Supports for Individuals With Severe Disabilities: Guidance for Assessment and Intervention. Exceptional Children, 82(4), 437–457.
Kuhl, P. K. (2010). Brain Mechanisms in Early Language Acquisition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 11(6), 435–446.
Millar, D. C., Light, J. C., & Schlosser, R. W. (2006). The Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on the Speech Production of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: A Research Review. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248–264.
Romski, M. A., Sevcik, R. A., Barton-Hulsey, A., & Whitmore, A. S. (2015). Early Intervention and AAC: What a Difference 30 Years Makes. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(3), 181–202.
