5 Common Myths About AAC

We are debunking these myths about Augmentative and Alternative Communication in pediatric speech therapy!

When a child struggles to communicate, parents and caregivers often find themselves navigating a maze of emotions, advice, and information. One tool that can open doors to connection and language development is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Yet despite growing research and clinical success, AAC remains surrounded by myths - especially when it comes to using these tools with young children. In this post, we’re setting the record straight by busting the most common myths about AAC in speech therapy and showing how these tools can empower children to find their voice, not silence it.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools and strategies that support individuals who have difficulty with spoken language. These can range from sign language and low-tech picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. In speech therapy, AAC is used to develop a personalized communication approach for each child, tailored to their unique strengths and abilities.

Why Choose AAC For Your Child?

AAC can open up a world of possibilities for children who struggle to communicate using spoken language. Whether a child is nonverbal, has difficulty expressing their wants and needs functionally, or presents with motor speech challenges or significant phonological disorders, AAC can offer essential support in several key areas:

• Facilitating Communication – AAC provides children with a way to express themselves, make choices, ask questions, and share information about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

• Reducing Frustration – By offering an effective means of communication, AAC helps ease the frustration and emotional distress that often come with being unable to express oneself.

• Enhancing Participation and Social Skills – AAC empowers children to take part in conversations, build social relationships, and engage more fully in classroom and peer interactions.

• Boosting Confidence – Having a reliable way to communicate gives children a greater sense of control, security, and confidence in their ability to be understood.

Now, let's debunk these myths!

Myth 1: My child will never talk if he uses AAC.

Not true! AAC is designed to support communication, not to replace or hinder spoken language. Research consistently shows that using AAC can actually promote the development of verbal skills by giving children a way to express themselves, which reduces frustration and increases interaction with others.

Myth 2: There are prerequisites to learning AAC - my child has to be "ready".

There are no "prerequisite skills" to learning high-tech AAC! Children do not need to be a certain age, demonstrate certain identification skills, or accurately point. Children learn language, spoken or AAC, through consistent modeling and exposure. Just as babies learn to talk by hearing adults speak, children learn to use AAC when we model it in natural routines. A child doesn't have to be “ready”. AAC can meet them exactly where they are and grow with them. By offering AAC early and consistently, we open the door to learning, connection, and development.

Myth 3: My child has some words so he doesn't need AAC.

AAC helps children express more, learn more, and connect more. AAC helps fill in the gaps, giving them access to a full range of vocabulary for making choices, sharing ideas, expressing feelings, and engaging socially. It’s not about replacing speech - it’s about making sure they always have a way to be heard!

Myth 4: AAC should be the last resort.

AAC is not a last resort - it’s a proactive and powerful tool! Delaying AAC until “everything else fails” means a child could go months or years without a reliable way to express themselves. That’s lost time socially, emotionally, academically, and developmentally. Studies show that introducing AAC early leads to better outcomes in both communication and overall development. Early access to AAC helps children build language!

Myth 5: Using my child's AAC device during speech therapy is enough.

Just like spoken language, AAC is learned through consistent exposure and repetition across daily routines. Using the device only in therapy (maybe 30–60 minutes a week) isn’t enough for a child to build language, learn how to use the device, or develop meaningful communication. Children need many natural opportunities to use and learn language - at home, at school, in play, during meals, etc. Real communication happens all day, every day - so the AAC system should be available and used all the time. The more they use it, the more they grow!

AAC is not a backup plan or a last resort - it’s a bridge to communication, connection, and confidence for children who need support. By breaking down the myths that surround its use, especially with young children, we can shift the focus from fear and hesitation to opportunity and empowerment. Every child deserves a voice, and AAC gives them a way to be heard, understood, and included. When we embrace AAC early, consistently, and with an open mind, we’re not just teaching a child to communicate... we’re giving them the tools to thrive!

If you have concerns about your child's language development and are located in the Tampa Bay area, please contact Bridge Speech Therapy to speak with a Speech Language Pathologist.