Fact: For some children, AAC is a tool to help them learn how to communicate. Using AAC doesn’t mean they will need it forever. Some children use it while they are learning and later begin to talk more on their own. AAC supports communication — it doesn’t stop speech from developing. 

Challenging behavior is often your child’s way of trying to tell you something. Instead of just trying to stop the behavior, try to figure out what your child is trying to communicate and help them find a better, more appropriate way to express it 

Giving someone an AAC device or app is just the beginning. People need support, teaching, and time to learn how to use it. The real progress happens when families, teachers, and therapists work together to help the person become a confident communicator. 

It’s never too late to start using AAC. No matter someone’s age — whether they’re 14, 27, or 43 — they can still learn to communicate in new ways. With the right support and teaching, anyone can make progress. You could be the one who gives them that opportunity. 

Waiting can delay communication growth. Starting AAC early gives people more chances to learn, connect, and express themselves — even while speech is still developing. 

AAC isn’t just for people who don’t talk at all. Many people who can say some words still find AAC helpful. It gives them another way to express themselves clearly, especially when speech is hard to understand or when they’re tired, upset, or in a noisy place. 

Some people worry that using AAC will make their child stand out or look different. Maybe it will — but not being able to communicate makes someone feel even more left out. AAC helps people connect, share, and take part in life. Communication is what truly helps them belong. 

Your child doesn’t need to meet any special thinking or behavior requirements to start using AAC. People of all abilities can benefit from having a way to communicate. AAC can be adapted to fit each person’s skills, needs, and pace. 

Non-verbal children don’t have to begin with low-tech AAC like paper boards or simple devices before using high-tech AAC. Many children can start right away with apps or devices that match their needs and abilities. The key is to give them a tool that helps them communicate effectively. 

Children don’t need to be able to match or recognize pictures perfectly to start learning AAC. They can begin using symbols, icons, or pictures as a way to communicate and build skills, even if they are still learning what the images mean. AAC grows with them. 

Using AAC does not stop a child from learning to talk. In fact, research shows that AAC can actually help children develop speech and language skills because it gives them a way to communicate, practice words, and reduce frustration.