- Fact: AAC is not a last resort. Contrary to the myth that AAC should only be considered when all other communication methods fail, AAC is beneficial for individuals who have difficulty with verbal communication at any stage. It is a valuable tool that can enhance communication skills and empower individuals to express themselves effectively.
- Fact: AAC does not hinder speech development. Using AAC does not impede speech development. In fact, research has shown that AAC can support and promote language development, as it provides individuals with a means to communicate, express their thoughts, and engage in conversations. AAC can be used in conjunction with speech therapy to complement and facilitate speech production.
- Myth: AAC limits expressive language. One common myth is that using AAC restricts individuals’ ability to develop expressive language skills. However, AAC actually enhances expressive language by providing a means for individuals to communicate their thoughts, needs, and desires. AAC systems can be tailored to support vocabulary expansion, sentence construction, and language development.
- Fact: AAC promotes social interaction and engagement. AAC systems enable individuals to participate in social interactions, connect with others, and engage in meaningful conversations. By providing a means of communication, AAC empowers individuals to express themselves, initiate interactions, and establish social connections.
- Myth: AAC is only for individuals with severe disabilities. AAC is not limited to individuals with severe disabilities. It is a versatile tool that can benefit people with a wide range of communication difficulties, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and speech disorders resulting from injuries or medical conditions. Each individual’s specific needs and abilities can be accommodated through customization of AAC systems.
- Fact: AAC supports educational inclusion. AAC plays a crucial role in educational settings, facilitating inclusive education for students with communication difficulties. It supports language development, literacy skills, and academic participation. AAC systems help students actively engage in classroom activities, express their knowledge, and interact with peers and teachers.
- Myth: AAC is a permanent solution. AAC is a flexible and individualized communication approach that can evolve over time. Some individuals may transition to more advanced AAC systems as their skills develop, while others may continue to use AAC as their primary mode of communication. The goal is to provide effective communication support that meets the individual’s changing needs and preferences. Understanding the facts about AAC is important in dispelling myths and misconceptions. AAC is a powerful tool that enhances communication abilities, empowers individuals, and fosters inclusivity and participation in various aspects of life.
AAC Facts Vs Myths: 4 Common AAC Myths Busted
a. Myth 1: AAC will hinder speech & language development – Research has shown us that this simply is not true. One study showed an increase in targeted language skills with access to AAC (Neeley, Pulliam, Catt, & McDaniel, 2015). Both natural language and synthesized language increased while using the device. Many studies have similarly shown speech gains when AAC was implemented (Millar, Light, & Schlosser, 2006).
b. Myth 2: You must start with lite-tech before high-tech – AAC technology is not ranked in any way, meaning you do not have to start at one point to progress to another. Lite-tech tools are meant to be part of a full AAC system (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2005). There may be situations where low-tech AAC is preferred, like when swimming in a pool. There is no research to support delaying access to high-tech.
c. Myth 3: Picture matching is an important prerequisite skill – There is no empirical evidence to support the idea that an individual must master prerequisite skills such as picture matching to successfully use AAC. The National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities (NJC) indicates that eligibility to communication supports & services be based on individual need, not a prerequisite checklist.
d. Myth 4: AAC is only for “non-verbal” individuals – Remember that AAC does not always mean alternative. There are many individuals who use AAC to augment or supplement verbal speech. Some individuals use speech at home with their family but find that strangers have a more difficulty time understanding them. Many autistic individuals find it challenging to communicate effectively using “mouth words” all the time and find that using AAC part-time is more successful for them.
