When Speech is Hard: How AAC Opens the Door to Language

When you hear the term AAC—Augmentative and Alternative Communication—you might imagine it only being used for children who don’t speak at all. But in reality, AAC is a powerful tool that supports all forms of communication, including verbal language, and plays a vital role in early development. Whether a child is nonverbal, minimally verbal, or working toward speaking more clearly, AAC can bridge the gap and unlock their ability to connect with the world around them.

In my practice, I see kids who use a variety of communication methods including baby sign language, high tech AAC devices with programs such as Touch Chat and LAMP Words for Life, and low tech options such as paper choices, picture symbols and spelling along with verbal communication. Many clients use a combination of all the above in order to be most successful!

What Is AAC?

AAC includes any method of communication other than spoken words. This can range from simple picture boards to more advanced speech-generating devices or apps. It’s not meant to replace speech—it’s designed to support it. During our therapy sessions we can evaluate what methods might help your child communicate to the best of their ability. As we grow needs may change so we are constantly evaluating and providing any means of communication needed.

AAC and Early Language Development

Language is about more than just speaking; it’s about expressing thoughts, needs, and feelings. For many children, especially those with developmental delays, speech disorders, or autism, accessing verbal language can be difficult. This is where AAC shines.

Using AAC early helps:

• Build vocabulary through consistent, visual access to words

• Reduce frustration by giving a child a reliable way to express themselves

• Reinforce language structures, such as sentence building and grammar

• Model communication consistently during routines and play

Research shows that introducing AAC early can actually lead to more spoken words over time—not fewer.

Motor Planning: A Hidden Key

Many children with speech delays also have challenges with motor planning—the brain’s ability to plan and coordinate movement. This includes the complex movements needed for speech, like tongue placement, breathing, and jaw control.

Using AAC helps develop motor planning in a different, more accessible way. For example:

• Touching symbols or pictures on a screen requires intentional movement

• Repetition builds muscle memory and consistency

• Structured motor patterns on AAC devices can transfer to structured verbal patterns

Over time, as motor planning improves through consistent AAC use, it can actually support the development of spoken language.

During our sessions we will work together to ensure you are familiar with how to help your child learn both the language and motor plan to access language for functional communication in all environments and with a variety of communication partners.

Why AAC Feels Easier for Some Kids

For many children, speaking out loud is hard work. It involves coordinating breath, voice, muscle movement, and thought—all at once. AAC offers a more concrete and less demanding pathway to communication. It:

• Provides visual cues that support understanding and recall

• Allows time to process and respond without pressure

• Is predictable, which builds confidence

• Reduces anxiety that often comes with verbal demands

• Many AAC devices offer consistent motor plans to access words for easier access to language.

In other words, AAC meets the child where they are and empowers them to express themselves in a way that works for them.

The Bottom Line

AAC is not a “last resort”—it’s a powerful first step for many children. It can support the development of language, reduce frustration, and even build the foundation for verbal communication through improved motor planning.

Every child deserves a voice. With AAC, we give them the tools to use it—whether that voice is spoken, pressed or typed on an AAC device, or signed.