Does AAC Delay Speech? How AAC Devices Support Children's Communication

If your child has difficulty communicating using spoken words, you may have wondered whether introducing an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device could delay their speech development.

The good news is that research does not show that AAC prevents children from developing spoken language. In fact, studies have found that some children develop more spoken language after AAC is introduced (Millar et al., 2006; Schlosser & Wendt, 2008).

AAC provides children with additional ways to communicate their thoughts, needs, feelings, and ideas. It can include gestures, signs, pictures, communication boards, and speech-generating devices that produce spoken words when a child selects a symbol or message.

For families exploring speech therapy in Vaughan, Ontario, understanding how AAC works can help you make informed decisions about supporting your child's communication development.

In this article, we explain what AAC is, what research says about AAC and speech development, and how parents can support communication at home.

What Is AAC?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers to methods and tools that help people communicate when spoken language alone does not meet their needs.

AAC can take many forms, including:

• Gestures: Pointing, reaching, waving, or using other body movements to communicate.

• Sign language and manual signs: Using hand movements to express words, messages, or ideas.

• Picture communication: Pointing to pictures or symbols to communicate choices, needs, and messages.

• Communication boards and books: Selecting symbols, pictures, or written words to share information.

• Speech-generating devices: Using an electronic device or communication app to produce spoken messages when a symbol, word, or phrase is selected.

Some children use AAC alongside spoken language, while others rely on AAC as their primary way of communicating. A child may also use different forms of communication depending on the situation.

AAC does not need to be introduced only after other speech therapy approaches have been tried. It can be considered whenever a child would benefit from additional communication support.

Does AAC Delay Speech Development?

No. Research does not support the concern that AAC delays speech development.

A common misconception is that children will be less motivated to speak if they have access to a device that communicates for them. However, research examining AAC interventions has not found evidence that AAC prevents or interferes with speech development.

Millar et al. (2006) reviewed research on AAC interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their findings indicated that AAC did not impede speech production, and some participants demonstrated increases in spoken language.

Similarly, Schlosser and Wendt (2008) reviewed studies involving autistic children and found that AAC interventions did not hinder speech production. More recent research has also reported improvements in speech production following AAC interventions for autistic individuals, although outcomes vary (White et al., 2021).

These findings are encouraging for families who worry that introducing an AAC device means giving up on spoken language.

However, it is important to remember that AAC does not guarantee that a child will develop spoken language. Every child has different communication strengths, needs, and developmental outcomes. AAC provides another way for a child to express themselves, regardless of whether their spoken language increases.

The goal is to support communication in a way that works for the individual child, rather than withholding communication tools while waiting for speech to develop.

How Can AAC Support My Child's Communication?

AAC can support communication in several important ways.

1. It Gives Children a Way to Express Their Needs and Ideas

Imagine that your child wants help opening a container but cannot yet say the word “help.”

Without an effective way to communicate, your child may become frustrated when their message is not understood. With an AAC device, they may be able to select “help” or another relevant message to let you know what they need.

AAC can give children more opportunities to express their preferences, ask questions, make choices, share their feelings, and participate in everyday activities.

It also allows children to communicate messages that may be difficult to express through their current spoken language skills.

2. It Can Reduce Communication Pressure

Communication can be frustrating when a child knows what they want to say but cannot easily express it using speech.

AAC offers another way to share a message without requiring the child to produce spoken words first. This can help reduce pressure during everyday interactions and allow children to participate more fully.

For example, rather than repeatedly asking a child to say “more” before continuing an activity, a parent can accept the child's AAC selection, gesture, or other meaningful communication attempt.

A child's message is valuable whether it is communicated through speech, an AAC device, gestures, or a combination of methods.

3. It Can Support Spoken Language Learning

AAC does not replace the opportunity to hear spoken language. Parents and communication partners can continue talking naturally while modelling how to use the device.

For example, imagine that your child selects “bubbles” on their AAC device.

You could respond by saying, “Bubbles! You want more bubbles. Let's blow some more!”

Your child has communicated their message using AAC while also hearing the word “bubbles” in a meaningful context.

This approach is often called aided language modelling. It involves using a child's communication system while speaking naturally during everyday interactions.

Over time, these interactions provide opportunities for children to connect symbols with words, actions, and meanings. AAC can support communication development while leaving room for spoken language to emerge when and if it does.

4. It Encourages Participation in Everyday Activities

Communication is about much more than requesting food or toys. Children also need ways to comment, ask questions, reject something, share experiences, express emotions, and connect with others.

AAC can help children participate in activities such as reading books, playing games, spending time with family, and interacting with peers.

For example, during story time, a child might use their AAC device to communicate “funny,” “again,” or “I like it.” During play, they might say “my turn,” “stop,” or “let's go” using their device.

These opportunities help make communication part of everyday life rather than something that happens only during a therapy session.

How Can Parents Support AAC at Home?

Parents and caregivers play an important role in helping children learn how to use AAC. You do not need to be an expert to start creating supportive communication opportunities.

Here are some practical strategies to explore.

1. Model AAC During Everyday Routines

You can model your child's AAC system while talking during activities such as meals, playtime, getting dressed, and reading books.

For example, when offering a snack, you might say “Want apple?” while selecting the corresponding symbols on the device.

You do not need to model every word in every sentence. Start with meaningful words and messages that fit naturally into your child's routine.

2. Follow Your Child's Interests

Children often have more opportunities to communicate when they are engaged in an activity they enjoy.

If your child loves bubbles, cars, music, or books, look for natural opportunities to model relevant words and messages on their AAC system.

For example, during bubble play, you could model words such as “more,” “go,” “stop,” “big,” or “pop.”

Follow your child's lead and respond to their communication attempts rather than turning every interaction into a test.

3. Give Your Child Time to Respond

After speaking or modelling a message, pause to give your child time to process the information and respond in their own way.

They may use their device, gestures, facial expressions, body movements, or spoken words. Respond to their communication attempts and show them that their messages matter.

Avoid requiring your child to use their device or produce a spoken word before you acknowledge what they are communicating.

4. Keep the AAC Device Available

Children need opportunities to communicate throughout the day, not only during structured activities or speech therapy sessions.

When possible, keep your child's communication system accessible across everyday environments and activities. Work with your child's SLP and AAC team to determine how best to support access and use.

Remember that learning AAC takes time. Children benefit from seeing communication partners use the system and having repeated opportunities to explore it without pressure.

Can Speech Therapy Help My Child Use AAC?

Yes. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help assess your child's communication strengths and needs and determine whether AAC may be beneficial.

An SLP may work with your family to explore suitable communication systems, establish functional communication goals, and develop strategies for using AAC at home, at school, and in the community.

AAC support should be individualised. The most appropriate system depends on factors such as your child's communication abilities, preferences, access needs, and everyday environments.

Importantly, children do not need to demonstrate particular cognitive, language, or speech skills before AAC can be considered. AAC options can be explored with professional guidance based on the child's individual needs.

Families can also learn how to model AAC during daily routines, respond to their child's communication attempts, and create opportunities for meaningful interactions.

Speech and Language Support in Vaughan, Ontario

If you are wondering whether AAC may help your child communicate, you do not have to navigate the options alone.

At Kurliand Speech Clinic in Vaughan, Ontario, we support children and families with speech, language, and communication development. Our services include in-clinic and in-home appointments in Vaughan and surrounding communities, as well as virtual services across Ontario.

Depending on your child's needs, services may be provided by a registered speech-language pathologist or a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) working under SLP supervision.

If you have questions about your child's communication development or would like to learn more about speech and language services, contact Kurliand Speech Clinic to discuss the next steps.

Looking for speech therapy in Vaughan? Visit kurliandspeechclinic.ca to learn more about our services and how we can support your child's communication.

References

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (n.d.). Augmentative and Alternative

Communication (AAC). https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/

Millar, D. C., Light, J. C., & Schlosser, R. W. (2006). The impact of augmentative and

alternative communication intervention on the speech production of individuals with

developmental disabilities: A research review. Journal of Speech, Language, and

Hearing Research, 49(2), 248–264.

Schlosser, R. W., & Wendt, O. (2008). Effects of augmentative and alternative communication

intervention on speech production in children with autism: A systematic review. American

Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17(3), 212–230.

White, E. N., Ayres, K. M., Snyder, S. K., Cagliani, R. R., & Ledford, J. R. (2021).

Augmentative and alternative communication and speech production for individuals with

ASD: A systematic review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51, 4199–

4212.