AAC Myths and Misconceptions: What Participants Should Know *
When a person has difficulty communicating through speech, families are often introduced to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC can include gestures, signs, pictures, communication boards, and speech-generating devices or apps.
For some families, the idea of using AAC can bring up questions and concerns.
Will AAC prevent my loved one from talking? Will they become dependent on it? Is AAC only for people who cannot speak?
These are common questions—and they are based on some persistent myths about AAC.
Understanding what AAC actually is can help families make informed decisions and, most importantly, give their loved one more opportunities to communicate.
What Is AAC?
AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication.
"Augmentative" means that AAC can supplement or support existing speech. Someone who speaks may use AAC when they are tired, overwhelmed, or having difficulty finding the right words.
"Alternative" means that AAC can provide another way to communicate when speech is not currently an effective option.
AAC can be as simple as pointing to a picture or using a gesture. It can also involve a sophisticated speech-generating device that allows someone to select symbols or type messages that are spoken aloud.
There is no single "right" AAC system for everyone. The best approach depends on the individual's communication abilities, needs, preferences, and daily environments.
Myth #1: "AAC Will Stop My Loved One From Talking."
This is probably one of the most common concerns families have.
AAC does not mean giving up on speech.
In fact, AAC can provide a person with a reliable way to communicate while spoken language is developing. When people have a way to express themselves, they have more opportunities to participate in interactions, make choices, request, comment, answer questions, and engage socially.
For some people, spoken communication may develop alongside AAC. For others, AAC may remain an important part of how they communicate.
The goal is not to force one particular communication method. The goal is to help the individual communicate as effectively and independently as possible.
Myth #2: "If My Loved One Can Talk, They Don't Need AAC."
AAC is not only for people who are completely nonspeaking.
Some individuals have speech that is difficult for others to understand. Others may be able to say familiar words but have difficulty expressing more complex thoughts.
Someone might also lose access to reliable speech temporarily because of illness, fatigue, injury, or another medical situation.
AAC can supplement speech when speech alone isn't enough.
For example, a child may be able to say "juice" but use AAC to communicate a more specific message such as "I want apple juice, please."
The question isn't simply whether someone can talk.
The more important question is:
Can they communicate everything they want and need to communicate?
Myth #3: "AAC Is a Last Resort."
AAC does not have to be something a person uses only after every other approach has failed.
Communication support can be introduced when it is appropriate for the individual's needs. Providing AAC early can give someone an additional communication pathway while their speech and language skills are developing.
Waiting until communication difficulties become severe can sometimes mean that a person spends a significant amount of time without an effective way to express themselves.
Early access to appropriate communication supports can provide more opportunities for interaction and participation.
Myth #4: "AAC Is Only for Children."
AAC can benefit people across the lifespan.
Children may use AAC because of developmental or communication differences, while adults may use AAC following a stroke, brain injury, neurological condition, or other change that affects speech or language.
AAC can also be used by individuals who have had lifelong communication challenges.
Communication needs can change throughout a person's life, and AAC can change with them.
Myth #5: "Using AAC Means a Person Doesn't Understand Language."
AAC use tells us how someone communicates—it does not automatically tell us what they understand.
A person may understand significantly more language than they are able to express through speech.
For example, someone may understand a conversation but have difficulty producing a spoken response. AAC can provide a way for that person to demonstrate their knowledge, answer questions, express an opinion, or participate in a conversation.
It is important not to underestimate someone's comprehension simply because their spoken communication is limited.
Myth #6: "AAC Has to Be a High-Tech Device."
Not at all.
AAC exists on a broad spectrum.
Unaided AAC can include:
Gestures
Facial expressions
Body language
Sign language
Aided AAC can include:
Photographs
Picture boards
Communication books
Letter boards
Printed communication cards
Speech-generating devices
Communication apps
High-tech systems can be extremely helpful for some individuals, but a simple communication board may be exactly what someone needs in a particular situation.
Sometimes having multiple communication options is ideal.
Myth #7: "AAC Devices Are Too Complicated for Families."
Technology can certainly take time to learn, but families do not need to become experts overnight.
AAC works best when communication partners learn alongside the person using the system.
Families can start with simple strategies such as modeling a few important words, providing opportunities to make choices, and responding to communication attempts.
An SLP can help families learn how to use and personalize an AAC system so it becomes part of everyday communication rather than something that only comes out during therapy.
Myth #8: "If We Give Someone AAC, They'll Become Dependent on It."
AAC should not be viewed as something that creates dependence.
Communication is a basic human need. If someone needs a communication system to express themselves, providing that system gives them greater independence, not less.
Imagine an adult who cannot reliably communicate verbally being able to independently tell a caregiver what they want for lunch.
Or a child being able to tell a parent, "I'm tired," instead of becoming frustrated because they cannot find the words.
AAC can give people more control over their own lives.
Myth #9: "AAC Should Only Be Used During Speech Therapy."
AAC is most meaningful when it is available in real-life situations.
Communication happens at home, at school, at work, in the community, during meals, while playing, and during social interactions.
If AAC is only used during a therapy session, the individual may have fewer opportunities to practice using it for meaningful communication.
Communication partners can incorporate AAC naturally throughout the day by modeling words and responding to messages during everyday activities.
How Families and Caregivers Can Support AAC
Families don't need to turn every interaction into a therapy session.
Instead, try incorporating AAC naturally into everyday routines.
Model without demanding.
Use the communication system yourself while talking. For example, if you're offering a snack, you might say "Want more?" while modeling the relevant words or symbols.
Give plenty of opportunities to communicate.
Pause and allow time for the person to respond.
Accept all communication attempts.
A gesture, facial expression, vocalization, sign, picture, or AAC message may all be meaningful.
Use AAC during enjoyable activities.
Mealtimes, games, books, outings, and favorite activities provide natural opportunities to communicate.
Keep the system available.
A communication system is most useful when the person can access it when they need it.
Focus on connection rather than perfection.
The goal is meaningful communication, not producing every message perfectly.
AAC Is About Giving People a Voice
One of the biggest misconceptions about AAC is that it somehow replaces communication.
In reality, AAC can expand communication.
For someone who has difficulty expressing themselves through speech, having another way to communicate can open doors to greater independence, participation, learning, relationships, and self-advocacy.
There is no single communication method that works for every person or every situation.
For some people, speech will remain their primary form of communication. For others, AAC may be an important supplement or their primary communication method. Many people use a combination of approaches depending on the situation.
The goal isn't to make everyone communicate in the same way.
The goal is to make sure everyone has a meaningful way to be heard and understood.
When Should You Consider an AAC Evaluation?
If a person is consistently struggling to communicate wants, needs, thoughts, or ideas through speech, it may be worth discussing AAC with a speech-language pathologist.
An SLP can evaluate communication strengths and challenges and help determine whether AAC may be appropriate. The SLP can also work with the individual and their communication partners to identify a system that fits their abilities, preferences, and everyday needs.
AAC doesn't have to be viewed as giving up on speech.
Instead, it can be viewed as giving someone another way to communicate while supporting their ability to participate in the world around them.
The Bottom Line
AAC is not a sign that someone has failed to develop speech. It is not only for nonspeaking individuals, and it does not mean that speech development has to stop.
AAC is simply another way to communicate.
When we move beyond the myths and focus on the individual's communication needs, we can create more opportunities for people to express themselves, make choices, build relationships, and participate fully in everyday life.
Everyone deserves a way to communicate.
* Although we at Focused Speech, Inc. do not specialize in AAC, we are happy to help clients get started and provide families with resources and explore service options here in the Bay Area.
