Do AAC Devices Delay Speech Development?

Both verbal and non-verbal communication exchanges are crucial for learning, building relationships, and regulating emotions. Strong communication skills enable individuals to express their needs and feelings as well as understand others and navigate social interactions. 

For individuals who experience difficulties with natural speech due to conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices (AAC devices) can serve as essential tools for expressing needs, wants, thoughts, and feelings. However, some ask the question: Do AAC devices hinder speech development? 

What Are AAC Devices

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. AAC devices are used to support or replace spoken language for those who are unable to communicate effectively through traditional spoken language. AAC devices can be categorized as low-tech or high-tech based on their level of complexity. 

Low-tech vs. high-tech AAC devices

• Low-tech AAC devices require some sort of equipment outside of the body; however, they do not require electricity or digital components. They include items such as pens and paper, communication boards, picture cards, or alphabet charts. 
• High-tech AAC devices consist of electronic speech-generating devices (SGDs), computers, and tablets loaded with specialized AAC apps, as well as advanced eye-tracking systems for individuals with limited motor skills. 

Who can benefit from augmentative and alternative communication?

AAC devices are used by individuals who have difficulty with natural speech. This may be due to developmental, intellectual, or motor challenges as well as acquired conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury. For many, AAC is not just a helpful tool, but an essential part of everyday life, helping with learning and social connection. 

Types of AAC devices for communication

AAC devices come in many forms to match the individual’s needs.

• Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) allow those with little to no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. They are often used for young children, especially those with autism. 
• Speech-generating devices (SGDs) are often tablet-like electronic devices that require some input from the user to output speech. 
• Tablet-based AAC apps can be installed on iPads and other tablets. These apps require input from the user to output text or speech. Users can build sentences and communicate in real time. 
• For literate users, there are simple Text-based AAC systems in which the user can type out words and phrases using a digital keyboard that converts text to speech. 

How do AAC devices work?

Depending on the type, AAC devices work by giving the user a combination of pictures, letters, words, and sentences that can then be spoken by the device or viewed on its screen. This helps the user communicate their wants and needs as well as participate in conversations without needing to verbally speak. 

When Do Speech Therapists Introduce AAC Devices?

When to introduce AAC devices is a major consideration during the speech therapy process. Ideally, AAC should be introduced as early as possible in cases where a child shows signs of delayed or limited speech. This is also true for someone who has suffered a loss of speech due to a medical episode like a stroke or traumatic brain injury. 

Early access to AAC devices prevents communication frustration for everyone involved, regardless of age, and also supports language development during critical language learning periods in a child's life. Our Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at Great Speech thoroughly assess the individual’s motor, cognitive, and language abilities before recommending an AAC system. If they are a good fit, they also help train family and caregivers on how to integrate the devices into their everyday lives. 

How SLPs Introduce AAC to Nonverbal Clients

Introducing AAC to nonverbal clients begins with a thorough assessment. The assessment will evaluate the individual's communication needs, motor skills, and cognitive abilities. From there, the SLP will determine the best AAC device to fit the needs of their client. Sometimes this includes trying various types to determine which one is best suited. Once the type of AAC has been determined, the SLP will work with the client and their family and caregivers to educate them on how to use the device and integrate it into their everyday life. The goal is to build positive experiences around AAC so that the users are more likely to engage with their devices regularly and improve their communication capability. 

Does Using AACs Slow Speech Development?

There are numerous studies and clinical evidence proving that using AAC devices does not slow speech development. Instead, it can promote it. AAC does not replace the desire or need to speak. It provides individuals with a means of communication while their speech is still developing. When they feel less pressure and frustration around communication, people are often more willing to try. 

Can AAC Devices Help with Speech Development?

AAC devices can actively support and stimulate speech development by:

• Modeling verbal speech - AAC devices with voice output provide consistent speech models that reinforce the pattern of speech. 
• Expanding vocabulary - AAC exposes users to new words and sentences. 
• Encouraging interaction - Communication leads to social engagement, which is essential for language development. 
• Reducing anxiety - With a reliable method of communication, individuals are less anxious and more willing to take risks in speaking. 

Benefits of AAC in Speech Therapy

There are many benefits of incorporating AAC in speech therapy, including:

• Improved behavior - Individuals, especially children, may act out due to frustration from being unable to communicate. AAC gives them a voice. 
• Increased engagement - Users are most involved in learning when they can actively participate in the communication. 
• Language development - AAC supports both receptive and expressive language growth. 
• Confidence building - The ability to communicate effectively builds both self-esteem and social confidence. 
• Increased well-being - Being able to communicate removes barriers that can lead to social isolation and depression. 
• Family involvement - Incorporating AAC involves family and caregivers in training, which creates stronger support systems. 

AAC enables clients to reach their full communicative potential, regardless of whether they eventually develop verbal speech. If you or your loved one could benefit from speech therapy, get started today by scheduling your free introductory call.