If I had a dollar for every time a parent said "but won't it stop them from trying to speak?" — let's just say I'd have a lot of dollars. It's one of the most common concerns I hear from families when AAC first comes up. And honestly? It makes complete sense to worry about it.

The short answer: no, AAC does not stop children from talking.

In fact, the research says the opposite is true. Study after study has shown that introducing AAC actually supports speech development rather than replacing it. Children who use AAC often go on to develop more spoken words over time, not fewer. Giving a child a way to communicate reduces their frustration and creates more opportunities for connection — and connection is exactly where language grows.

So where does this myth come from?

I think it comes from a very natural fear. We see our child reaching for a device or a picture board and we think, "if they can get what they need without talking, why would they bother?" But communication doesn't work like that. When children feel heard and understood, they want to communicate more. Not less. AAC gives them the confidence to try.

What AAC actually looks like

AAC is not one thing. It includes high-tech speech generating devices, low-tech picture boards, key word sign, and combinations of all of these. The goal is always to give your child as many ways to communicate as possible. More tools, more connection, more language.

When I first started working in AAC, core vocabulary felt overwhelming. There were so many words, so many systems, and so much pressure to get it right. If that sounds familiar, this one's for you.

What is core vocabulary?

Core vocabulary refers to the small set of words that make up the majority of what we say every day — words like "go", "more", "stop", "want", "help", "like", "no". Research shows that around 80% of what we say comes from a core set of roughly 200 to 400 words.

Why does it matter for AAC?

Most early AAC systems are loaded with nouns. But nouns alone limit what a person can actually say. Core vocabulary gives AAC users the power to communicate across every context — not just label objects. It's the difference between labelling and communicating.

How to introduce core vocabulary in sessions

Start with a small set of high-value words like "more", "go", "stop", "want" and "help". Model on the AAC system yourself — this is called aided language stimulation and it is the most powerful teaching tool we have. Don't expect immediate output. Keep it playful and follow the child's lead.

This is one of the questions I hear most often from families. And almost every time, my answer is the same: no. Your child is not too young. In fact, the earlier we introduce AAC, the better.

What the research actually says

There is no minimum age for AAC. Research consistently shows that AAC can be introduced from as young as 9 to 12 months when communication concerns are identified. Early AAC use supports language development, reduces frustration, and does not stop children from learning to speak.

What about babies and very young toddlers?

Early AAC for very young children often looks like a simple core board, key word sign, or a few symbols in a communication book. It's introduced gently, modelled by the adults around the child, and woven into everyday routines. We're not sitting a baby in front of a screen — we're building the foundations for communication.

The bottom line

Communication is not something children should have to wait for. If there are concerns, acting early is always better than waiting. If you're not sure whether AAC is right for your child, that's exactly what an assessment is for.

If you've started looking into AAC for your child, you've probably already felt the overwhelm. There are apps, devices, picture boards, sign systems and everyone seems to have a different opinion. Here's the thing: there is no single best AAC system. What matters is finding the right fit for your child.

What is high tech AAC?

High tech AAC refers to electronic devices that generate speech — dedicated communication devices as well as apps on tablets or iPads. Common apps in Australia include Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, and Snap Core First.

What is low tech AAC?

Low tech AAC includes picture boards, communication books, PECS, core word boards, and key word sign. Low tech tools are more portable, more durable, and just as effective as high tech options for many children. Low tech is also often where we start, especially with younger children.

The most important thing

Whatever system your child uses, the adults around them need to use it too. Modelling language on the AAC system is the single most important thing you can do. The best AAC system in the world won't work if it sits in a drawer.

You've just found out there's a student in your class who uses AAC. Maybe it's a communication device, a picture board, or an app. And maybe you're feeling a little unsure about where to start. That's completely okay — most teachers and support workers don't get trained in AAC. But with a few simple strategies, you can make a huge difference for that child every single day.

Use the AAC system yourself

This is the single most important thing you can do. When you use a child's AAC system yourself — pointing to symbols as you talk — you show them what it looks like to communicate that way. Ask the child's speech pathologist to show you how.

Make sure the AAC system is always accessible

A child cannot communicate with their AAC system if it's in their bag, charging in another room, or put away. The device or board needs to be within reach at all times — every lesson, every break, every transition.

Give the child time to respond

Using AAC takes longer than speaking. Try counting to 10 in your head after asking a question before responding or moving on. That wait time is not awkward — it's essential.

You've gone through the assessment. You've got the device. And now your child won't touch it. This is one of the most common and frustrating situations families face. It doesn't mean AAC isn't right for your child — it usually just means something needs to shift.

Why children refuse their AAC device

Common reasons include vocabulary that isn't meeting their needs yet, too much pressure around the device, not enough adult modelling, or simply unfamiliarity with a new piece of technology.

What you can do

Take the pressure off completely for a week or two — no prompting, no expectations. Follow the child's lead and use the device during activities they love. Model without expecting the child to copy you. Make sure the vocabulary that matters to them is easy to find. Keep the device accessible and charged at all times.

A word on timelines

AAC uptake takes time. Sometimes a lot of time. Consistent, low-pressure exposure and modelling is the key. Think of it like planting seeds — you can't always see what's happening underground, but the work is making a difference.

If you've ever been told to "model on the device" and nodded along while secretly thinking "but what does that actually mean?" — this one is for you. Aided language stimulation is probably the single most powerful strategy in AAC.

So what is it?

Aided language stimulation is when the people around an AAC user point to symbols on the AAC system while they talk. You just talk the way you normally would, and as you speak, you touch the relevant symbols on the board or device. You're not asking the child to do anything. You're just showing them what communication via AAC looks like.

Why does it work?

Children need to see the symbols being used over and over before they will start using them themselves — just like spoken words. Research consistently shows that children whose communication partners model on their AAC system develop stronger AAC skills, faster.

How to get started

Pick one or two activities you do every day. Start with common core words like "more", "go", "stop", "want" and "finished" — these work across almost every activity. Keep it light and fun. If you're not sure which words to point to, that's a great question for your speech pathologist.

If your child uses AAC or you think they might benefit from it, the NDIS can be a really important source of support. Navigating funding can feel confusing, so here's a general overview of how AAC support is typically funded.

What can the NDIS fund?

Speech pathology services are typically funded under Capacity Building (Improved Daily Living). AAC devices and equipment are typically funded under Assistive Technology. Your child needs an active NDIS plan to access this funding.

What evidence do you need for a device?

The NDIS typically requires an AT assessment report from a qualified speech pathologist. This includes trialling different options and demonstrating why the recommended device is the best fit — showing both clinical appropriateness and value for money. This is called a feature matching assessment.

What to know about timelines

Once submitted, there is no set timeframe for hearing back. Keep in regular contact with your LAC and follow up consistently. Submitting an AT application can also sometimes trigger a plan review — it's worth being prepared for this and thinking about timing.

Please note: NDIS guidelines change regularly. This is a general overview only.

If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism, or if you've been told that AAC might help them communicate, you probably have a lot of questions. Let's go through them.

Why is AAC commonly recommended for autistic children?

AAC gives children a reliable, consistent way to communicate regardless of where their speech is at. For children who find spoken language difficult, AAC can reduce frustration, support connection, and open up communication that might otherwise feel out of reach. Many autistic children who use AAC go on to develop spoken language alongside it — AAC is a support, not a ceiling.

Something worth knowing: Gestalt Language Processing

Some autistic children are Gestalt Language Processors — they learn language in whole chunks or phrases rather than word by word. You might notice this if your child uses long memorised scripts from TV shows or echoes whole phrases. For these children, an AAC system that includes phrases can be really beneficial.

What can families do right now?

Get a speech pathology assessment if you haven't already. In the meantime, follow your child's lead. Notice how they communicate right now — pointing, leading you by the hand, using sounds. All of that is communication. Build on it.

Here's something I believe deeply: the most important AAC work doesn't happen in a therapy room. It happens at breakfast, in the car, during bath time — in the everyday, ordinary moments that make up your child's life. That's why parent coaching is not an add-on to AAC therapy. It is the heart of it.

What is AAC parent coaching?

AAC parent coaching is when a speech pathologist works directly with you — not just with your child — to build your confidence and skills in supporting AAC at home. The goal is to make sure that the strategies that help your child communicate come home with you.

Why does it matter so much?

Think about how many hours your child spends with their speech pathologist each week. For most families, it's one hour. Maybe two. Now think about how many hours they spend with you. Research consistently shows that children whose families are actively involved in their AAC use develop communication skills faster and more robustly.

What should you ask for?

If your child is receiving AAC therapy, ask your speech pathologist how parent coaching is built into the service. It should be a regular, intentional part of the support you receive. AAC works best as a team effort — and you are the most important member of that team.