Why Speech Therapists Are Recommending AAC Earlier (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

When many parents hear that their child may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), they usually have a lot of questions. Does this mean that my child will never speak? Will using an AAC device make speech development harder? Is my child too young? 

These concerns are understandable, and for years, some families were encouraged to “wait and see” before introducing AAC to their child (particularly with young children who were still developing their speech). More recently, speech-language pathologists are taking a different approach: when a child is struggling to communicate, there may be little reason to wait for a specific age, diagnosis, or developmental milestone before providing them with additional communication support. 

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) states that there are no cognitive, linguistic, or other prerequisites for AAC intervention and that AAC can be considered as early as possible when a person’s communication needs are not being met through speech alone. 

If you are wondering if AAC is a good option for your loved one, we’d love to help you make an informed decision. Schedule a FREE introductory call with Great Speech to learn more. 

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication? 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, commonly called AAC, refers to tools and strategies that supplement or replace spoken communication. “Augmentative” means AAC can add to existing speech. For example, a child who speaks some words but is difficult for others to understand may use pictures, signs, or a speech-generating device to help make their message clearer. “Alternative” means AAC can provide another way to communicate when typical spoken language is not currently possible or clear. 

AAC is not limited to electronic devices. Types of AAC can include gestures, facial expressions, manual signs, picture boards, communication books, letter boards, and speech-generating devices. Some of these systems use technology, and others do not. 

The right system to use depends on the individual. A speech-language pathologist may consider a child’s motor skills, language abilities, communication goals, sensory needs, and everyday environment when deciding what AAC options to look into. 

Who Uses AAC?

AAC can be helpful for people with many different communication needs. It is often associated with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but they are just a small portion of people who can benefit from AAC. 

Children with cerebral palsy, children with apraxia of speech, developmental difficulties, genetic conditions, and other communication challenges may also benefit from AAC. Adults can use AAC as well, including people who have experienced a stroke, brain injury, or neurological condition. 

It’s important to state that a person does not have to be completely nonspeaking to benefit from AAC. Someone may have some spoken language but still need AAC in situations where communicating verbally is more difficult for them. For example, a child may be able to say a few familiar words at home but struggle to communicate their wants, feelings, questions, or more complicated ideas both inside and outside of the home. AAC can give that child another way to participate while their spoken communication continues to develop. 

When Should You Start AAC? 

A common question that we are asked is when to start AAC, and the answer is that there is no universal “right age” to start. According to ASHA, there are no prerequisites for beginning AAC. This does not mean that every toddler with a speech delay automatically needs a high-tech AAC device, but it does mean that communication support should be based on a child’s individual needs rather than waiting for a certain age. 

Early communication matters because children learn language through opportunities to communicate with others. If a child has problems interacting and communicating their wants and needs to others, giving them an alternative, more accessible way to do so can create more opportunities to practice their communication skills. Early AAC is especially important for children whose speech development is expected to take longer or whose speech is currently difficult to understand. 

Does AAC Prevent a Child From Learning to Speak? 

Many parents and caregivers worry that AAC will slow down or completely prevent their child from learning to communicate in a more typical way. This is not true. AAC does not hinder speech development during the early stages of language development. It can actually help.

We have a great blog on this topic. Check it out to learn more: Do AAC Devices Delay Speech Development?

What Changed? Why are Speech Therapists Recommending AAC Earlier? 

The shift towards earlier AAC is simply because children need a way to communicate while they are learning the skills to communicate in typical spoken language. Waiting for speech to develop before providing another method can leave the child unable to express themselves during an important period of language development. 

AAC gives children opportunities to communicate. They can use it to make requests, answer questions, share opinions, interact socially, and express their thoughts and feelings. Those everyday communication experiences are valuable regardless of whether the child eventually becomes a fluent speaker. 

You can use AAC alongside spoken language, and a speech-language pathologist may model words verbally while demonstrating them on an AAC system at the same time. This gives the child another way to understand how language works as well as how words can be combined to communicate different messages. 

AAC Does Not Take Speech Away. AAC Gives People a Voice!

AAC should not be viewed as giving up on speech. Instead, it can be viewed as giving a child a reliable way to communicate while their speech and language skills develop. For some children, AAC may eventually become a primary form of communication, but for others it may supplement speech, particularly when communication demands are greater. The important thing is that children have access to a communication system that meets their own needs. 

Great Speech Therapists have helped to train many patients and their caregivers to effectively navigate AAC devices for everyday communication. We provide virtual support for families across a variety of AAC devices, including Lingraphica, Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo, Forbes AAC, and many others. 

If you’re wondering whether AAC could benefit your child, an evaluation with one of our many highly qualified speech-language pathologists can help determine what type of support may be appropriate. AAC is highly individualized, and a child’s communication system may change as their skills and needs change. 

Remember that AAC isn’t about predicting a child’s future. It's about making sure that they have a way to communicate today. Book an Appointment to get started. 

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