Let’s Clear Up a Few AAC Myths

Let’s Clear Up a Few AAC Myths. If you’re new to AAC, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. There is so much information out there, and it can be hard to know what to trust. Before we go any further, I want you to know something important: you are not doing anything wrong. You are learning, you are showing up, and that matters more than anything.

These common AAC myths can make parents feel unsure or hesitant. Let’s walk through them together in a way that feels supportive and easy to understand.

Myth 1: “AAC will stop my child from talking.”

The truth: AAC actually gives kids more ways to communicate. Many children make more progress with spoken language when communication feels easier and less frustrating.

Think of AAC as adding communication, not replacing anything. If your child says a word out loud, great. If they tap it on their device, also great. Both are communication, and both deserve celebration.

Myth 2: “We need perfect speech skills before we introduce AAC.”

The truth: AAC isn’t something you wait for. It supports communication right now. Waiting only delays access to clarity, connection, and interaction.

Most kids benefit from starting early, even if the first steps are simple and exploratory.

Myth 3: “AAC is only for kids who don’t talk at all.”

The truth: AAC helps a wide range of communication styles and profiles. That includes talkers, emerging talkers, gestalt processors, selective talkers, children with apraxia, autistic children, and kids with motor differences.

AAC isn’t about ability level. It is about access and giving your child a reliable way to share their thoughts.

Myth 4: “I need to know all the buttons before we start.”

The truth: You do not have to memorize the whole system. You do not need to model full sentences. You do not have to be perfect.

Start with one or two core words such as go, more, help, open, or look. Model them during routines you are already doing. That is enough to get started.

Myth 5: “AAC is too high-tech. We will break it.”

The truth: These devices are built for real life. They can handle backpacks, car rides, sticky hands, spills, and curious siblings.

And if something ever does break, it can be replaced. Your child’s ability to communicate is what truly matters. You can also use low-tech printouts or core boards anywhere if you need a backup.

Myth 6: “We are not using it enough, so it isn’t working.”

The truth: AAC learning takes time. Some days your child will explore the device a lot. Other days they may not touch it at all. That is okay. What matters most is steady, gentle modeling over time.

Consistency is more important than perfection.

Want a warm, real-life explanation of these myths?

I created a YouTube video where I walk through each myth in a friendly, relaxed way. I share examples, encouragement, and simple modeling ideas you can try right away.

 You can watch it here: Speech Therapy Kids

How I can support you

If AAC feels confusing or you’re not sure where to begin, you’re not alone. You do not have to figure this out by yourself. My role is to help families feel confident, supported, and understood.

Here are a few ways I can help:

• One to one AAC parent coaching

• SLP coaching for AAC implementation

• AAC modeling videos on YouTube

• Free downloads like my Core Word Starter Pack and Quick Start AAC Checklist

• Play based AAC therapy for families in Texas with online options available for other states

If you’ve made it this far, I hope you feel a little lighter and a little more supported. AAC can feel big at first, but you don’t have to master everything all at once. Small moments of connection add up. A single modeled word counts. Curiosity counts. Offering the device counts. Your child noticing what you’re doing counts.

You’re doing more than you think.

And if you’re looking for the next step, it doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start with one core word. You can watch one video. You can try one moment of modeling during a routine you already do every day.

I’m here to walk beside you as you figure this out in a way that feels human and doable for your family.

Whether you need ideas, reassurance, or someone to help you make a plan, you’re not doing this alone.

Whenever you’re ready, take a breath, pick one thing, and begin.

Your child’s voice is already there. We’re just helping it shine through.