What Is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and it simply means any way of communicating beyond speech.
That could include:
Gestures or pointing
Picture boards or symbols
Sign language
High-tech devices or iPads with communication apps
AAC is about access - giving every child a way to express their needs, thoughts, and personality. It’s not just for children who don’t speak; it’s for anyone who needs a little extra support to communicate clearly and confidently.
Common Fears (and the Facts)
Many parents feel nervous when an SLP mentions AAC, and that’s completely normal. Here are some of the most common worries I hear about in the clinic, along with what the research (and experience) has taught me.
❌ Myth #1: “If my child uses AAC, they’ll never talk.”
✅ Fact: AAC supports speech - it doesn’t stop it.
Children who use AAC often increase their verbal speech because they see that communication “works.” When they have a reliable way to share their thoughts or get their wants and needs met, frustration goes down and motivation to use words goes up.
AAC doesn’t take away a voice. It gives one!
❌ Myth #2: “AAC is only for kids who can’t talk.”
✅ Fact: AAC helps many verbal children, too!
Some children can speak but aren’t always understood. Others need help organizing their language or expressing complex ideas. AAC gives them another tool for connection and reduces communication breakdowns.
Think of AAC as a bridge that supports communication growth, not a replacement for speech.
❌ Myth #3: “My child is too young for AAC.”
✅ Fact: There’s no such thing as “too young” to start communicating!
There are no prerequisites for using AAC. Even toddlers can begin learning AAC - pointing to pictures, tapping icons, or using simple signs. AAC can grow with your child, from early requests (“more,” “help”) to full sentences and conversations.
If your child has something to share (a choice, a thought, or a feeling) AAC can help them express it.
❌ Myth #4: “AAC is a last resort.”
✅ Fact: AAC is a first step toward communication success.
It’s not about giving up on speech. It’s about giving your child more ways to be understood right now. The earlier a child has access to functional communication, the better their social, emotional, and cognitive development can thrive.
The goal is communication; not just speech.
Final Thoughts
Every child deserves a way to be understood. AAC doesn’t replace your child’s voice; it helps them find it. Whether your child communicates through gestures, pictures, a speech-generating device, or their own voice, what matters most is that they can share their thoughts, needs, and joy with others effectively.
If you have questions about AAC, don’t hesitate to reach out, or connect with a speech-language pathologist who can help you explore how AAC could support your child’s communication development.
Have a great weekend!
Casey
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