Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to all the ways people communicate when they cannot rely on speech alone. This includes a range of methods from simple picture boards to sophisticated speech-generating devices. Families often approach AAC with the fear that providing an alternative communication system will discourage the development of natural speech. However, decades of research and clinical practice have shown that this concern is largely unfounded. AAC actually supports, rather than hinders, the development of spoken language.
The Myth Versus the Evidence
The idea that giving someone an AAC device will prevent them from trying to speak is a long-standing misconception. Studies consistently challenge this notion, finding that AAC intervention does not impede speech production. Comprehensive reviews of research have demonstrated that the introduction of AAC is associated with either an increase in speech attempts or no change at all. None of the available research suggests that providing a reliable method of communication leads to a decrease in a person’s spoken words.
This clinical consensus is supported by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), which advocates for AAC as a tool to maximize functional communication. For individuals who struggle to communicate their basic wants and needs, AAC provides an immediate, functional voice. When the pressure to produce difficult or unintelligible speech is lifted, the psychological burden on the user is significantly reduced. This reduction in frustration can free the user to experiment with speech sounds without the high stakes of failure.
How AAC Facilitates Spoken Communication
The positive relationship between AAC use and speech development stems from cognitive and linguistic mechanisms. For many users, AAC provides a critical visual model of language that spoken words alone cannot offer. High-tech AAC systems often use symbols or icons that remain visible, helping the user to grasp the relationship between a concept and its linguistic representation. This visual-auditory pairing aids in the comprehension of vocabulary and sentence structure, which are foundational skills for both receptive and expressive language.
An AAC system offers consistent, correct language modeling. When communication partners use the AAC device alongside their own speech—a practice known as “aided language input”—the user gains frequent exposure to the correct grammatical structures. This repeated exposure allows the user to internalize the rules of language, developing a strong linguistic foundation that can then be applied to speech attempts.
A reliable method for communication reduces the cognitive load associated with trying to communicate a message. Instead of dedicating all mental energy to the motor planning required for speech, the user can focus on constructing the message itself. By making communication easier and more successful, AAC increases the user’s motivation and willingness to engage socially. This increased engagement offers more opportunities for language practice, including attempts at spoken words.
Who Benefits Most from Early AAC Intervention
Early access to AAC is particularly beneficial because it ensures that children develop language skills during the most rapid period of brain development. Individuals with conditions known to cause severe communication challenges, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and severe childhood apraxia of speech, are prime candidates for early intervention. The goal is to provide a means to communicate now, rather than waiting to see if speech will develop later.
Introducing AAC early prevents the development of “learned helplessness,” which can occur when a person repeatedly fails to communicate their needs and gives up trying. A functional communication system reduces the challenging behaviors that often arise from communication breakdowns and frustration. By empowering a child to successfully express their thoughts, AAC supports social interaction, literacy development, and overall cognitive growth, paving the way for any speech that may emerge.