How AAC Empowers Your Child to Speak More
AAC empowers your child to speak more by giving them more opportunities to practice speech and language. For children who have limited speech or are non-verbal, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an excellent way to build their language skills and help them speak more. One of the biggest AAC myths is that AAC will stop or hurt a child’s ability to speak. This is completely false. Research has shown that communication devices help children speak more, not less.
In this post, we talk about how AAC empowers your child to speak more. We also explain why these devices are critical for children to continue learning language and getting their wants and needs met.
What is AAC?
AAC or augmentative and alternative communication stands for a type of communication that supplements or replaces speech. Many different types exist. For example, children or adults may press buttons to activate voice messages, gaze at letters on a board, point to icons in a paper booklet or on a screen, and more.
There are many other types of AAC designed to support different needs. All of forms are valid. However, only a speech therapist can say which type device a child needs, based on their individual needs.
Will AAC Help or Hurt My Child’s Speech?
This question is asked a lot by parents who may wonder if AAC may get in the way of their child’s speech. However, it is also easy to answer. AAC will only help empower your child to speak more. The myth that these devices negatively affect speech is false. Luckily, we have strong research to show that augmentative and alternative communication devices support speech production!
In fact, if a child does not speak, they risk losing out on language skills critical for getting their wants and needs met. They also risk losing out on learning in school and talking with peers. Language learning through AAC is scientifically valid and vital for non-verbal children as well as kids with limited speech.
If your child is non-verbal or has limited speech, they may need a device to communicate. However, rest assured that this method of communication helps them to continue growing their skills. A licensed speech therapist performs these evaluations and determines the best type of device given a child’s individual needs.
What Does AAC Do for Speech?
Children with limited speech often also experience language challenges. For these kids, AAC gives them the opportunity to practice their speech in a productive way – as they learn language!
Children Continue Learning
AAC Supports All Kinds of Communication
When a child uses a device to communicate, they learn to use their words in many ways. For example, AAC users learn to make requests, comment, ask questions and talk with peers.
Parents may want their child to only use speech if they are non-verbal, but this limits the child’s success and may negatively impact early development. When kids use a device to talk, they get to grow their language skills as well as get support with their speech.
AAC often focuses on core words, some of the most important types of words. Kids use these words to make many different kinds of sentences. They also use the words in different ways, such as to comment on what they see and ask questions.
What If My Child Uses Some Speech?
Even if children use some speech, these devices help support their speaking and gives them a way to communicate more effectively. Especially true for kids with verbal apraxia, AAC gives kids a way to get their wants and needs met, grow language skills and improve behaviors.
AAC is a great way for SLPs, caregivers and others to supplement a child’s speech. If a child gets misunderstood by others often, a communication device may be needed. Only a licensed speech therapist can perform an AAC evaluation.
How Does AAC affect behaviors?
Children that get misunderstood a lot may get frustrated and act out because of this. Many of these challenging behaviors get caused by a child’s inability to communicate. When children can’t get their wants and needs met, they communicate in other ways.
Children often use behaviors to communicate their wants and needs. If a child gets upset, there’s a cause. Often times, lack of speech and no other way to talk cause these behaviors to get much more challenging. Caregivers may want to resolve behaviors without giving the child a way to talk. This only makes the behaviors more intensive and may cause trauma for the child.
Children that act in challenging ways with no way of communicating their wants and needs (with speech, AAC, sign) must get communication support.
Should I Buy an iPAD for My Child to Talk?
It depends! First, speak with a speech-language pathologist to find out if an AAC device is appropriate for your child’s needs. An evaluation provides a detailed look at your child’s strengths and needs. Even if a device is needed, many forms of AAC exist. Finding out which device works best for your child is the responsibility of the SLP.
I Know My Child Needs AAC but I Can’t Afford It
If you think your child may need a device to communicate (for example they are non-verbal), they need a way to communicate as soon as possible. While dedicated devices provided by companies may have high costs, the iPAD has revolutionized the AAC world. One may buy an iPAD with a payment plan on online sites or may also buy an older and more affordable model or even a refurbished iPAD.
Once your child gets an iPAD (if recommended by their speech therapist), an app gets purchased. Only a speech therapist can say which app will work best for your child. An app may cost up to $250. However, most of these apps offer twice a year 50% discounts (usually in early fall and again in spring). Other cheaper or free (‘lite’) versions exist as well.
Also, note that many excellent forms of AAC don’t require a large purchase (switches, booklets, and more). An iPAD or other device may not be the most appropriate for your child. Speak with your child’s speech therapist to find out if a picture booklet, switch or other form of communication would be a better fit.
Conclusion
Children who are non-verbal or have limited speech, may need an AAC device. These devices help speech and give kids a way to continue learning language. They also helps with challenging behaviors, many of which may get caused by a lack of speech.
SLPs, caregivers and others get to practice speech with kids while they learn new words and sentences on their AAC device. While some devices may be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options available. Speak with a licensed speech therapist today to find out if your child needs AAC.
