“There are many things we now know to be true about AAC—both from research and from AAC users’ lived experiences. However, even with the research showing us certain things to be true, certain myths persist in the AAC community” (Zisk & Hartmann, n.d.).
According to the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) (Steinbrenner et al., 2020), AAC is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Despite the evidence that AAC is beneficial for students with autism, myths and concerns still continue to be a barrier to students’ access to AAC. The resources below will share common AAC myths alongside the facts about AAC.
Please take some time to explore the following resources to learn about AAC myths and facts:
Watch the video AAC Myths (Tobii Dynavox, n.d.). The link will take you to the website header “Important to know.” Click play on the video just below this header.
Read the article Busting AAC Myths for Good (Zisk & Hartmann, n.d.).
Review the document What Research Says About Speech Devices (QuickTalker Freestyle AbleNet, n.d.-c.). Consider posting this document in your classroom, school, or home.
Review the document Myth Busting AAC in Early Intervention (QuickTalker Freestyle AbleNet, n.d.-b.). Consider posting this document in your classroom, school, or home.
Many myths about AAC stem from fear. It is natural to be fearful when something is new and unfamiliar. Were any of the myths something you feared on behalf of your student? If so, was it helpful to learn AAC facts to reduce those fears? If you are very familiar with AAC, how might the AAC myths and facts information and resources help you support others as they learn about AAC alongside you?
Review the START-ism “Presume Competence.” Why is it important to presume competence when supporting students who cannot rely on speech alone to communicate? How does this START-ism align with the AAC myths and facts information?
QuickTalker Freestyle AbleNet. (n.d.-a). AAC myth-busting analogies: Supporting conversations. https://cdn.bfldr.com/5METIT78/at/vt4n8t689sxg883sq7hzcp3/AAC_Myth-Busting_Analogies.pdf?format=pdf
QuickTalker Freestyle AbleNet. (n.d.-b). Myth busting AAC in early intervention. https://cdn.bfldr.com/5METIT78/as/mn2jcg8z9nvwqvqpvptgpz/Myth_Busting_AAC_in_Early_Intervention
QuickTalker Freestyle AbleNet. (n.d.-c). What research says about speech devices. https://cdn.bfldr.com/5METIT78/as/qjfp2pgwmnqhrshv8bmjfpps/What_Research_Says_About_Speech_Devices
Steinbrenner, J. R., Hume, K., Odom, S. L., Morin, K. L., Nowell, S. W., Tomaszewski, B., Szendrey, S., McIntyre, N. S., Yücesoy-Özkan, S., & Savage, M. N. (2020). Evidence-based practices for children, youth, and young adults with Autism. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team.
Tobii Dynavox. (n.d.). AAC myths [Video]. https://www.tobiidynavox.com/pages/what-is-aac/#:~:text=to%20be%20You%3F-,Important%20to%20know,-4%3A07
Zisk, A. H., & Hartmann, A. (n.d.) Busting AAC myths for good. AssistiveWare. https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/busting-aac-myths-for-good