Pediatric speech therapy gets a boost with alternative communication (AAC) tools
High-tech is everywhere. Most kids know how to use it better than adults, and parents may think limiting tech time is the best choice. However, when it comes to kids with communication difficulties, high-tech and screen time often tip the scale toward good rather than bad for many reasons.
According to a 2025 National Institutes of Health study, approximately 1 in 14 U.S. children ages 3–17 (7.2% to 7.7%) have a voice, speech or language disorder, with higher prevalence (10.8%) among children ages 3–6. Speech therapy is crucial, as about 50% of children with speech sound disorders struggle academically.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), also known as speech therapists, are rehabilitation experts who specialize in diagnosing and treating communication, cognition and swallowing disorders in individuals of all ages.
These experts often use technology and other outside resources as tools and strategies to address communication disorders in both children and adults. Called augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC, these methods can supplement or replace verbal speech to help people express needs, wants and ideas, and can range from a temporary aid while speech develops primary means of communication over the long term.
What is pediatric speech therapy?
Speech is one of the primary milestones of development — from first words to a how a child talks with others. Pediatric speech therapy is effective in helping children who have speech and communication challenges.
Speech and communication disorders are common in the U.S. They include two primary aspects:
- How a child speaks (expressive language)
- How a child understands what’s being spoken (receptive language)
Early intervention matters — correcting speech and communication disorders as early as possible is important to building strong language skills. It’s also important so the child can be understood by others and interact socially.
AAC and children – addressing issues from the start
Children are ideal candidates for AAC. As they develop and issues become known, AAC can be used as a supplement to support their changing minds and growing bodies, and often based in play or in a level they understand, making their use feel more like play and less like therapy.
Children who can benefit from AAC use include those with communication disorders or medical diagnoses that make it difficult to be understood by their family, caregivers, teachers and peers.
Some of the key medical conditions impacting communication and expression ability are:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- Deafness
- Childhood apraxia of speech (knowing what to say but being unable to properly move the jaw, lips or tongue, resulting in inconsistent and often slower-rate speech)
- Developmental language disorder
- Dysarthria (weak or paralyzed muscles used for breathing or speaking)
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Voice disorder
AAC is not a last resort for communication issues. These tools can be accessed through pediatric speech therapy at any age, even during infancy and toddlerhood, and offer strong benefits with early intervention.
This is especially true because birth to age 3 is the most rapid period of brain development in a person’s life. It is also the time when children develop communication and language skills that form the foundation for future school and career success.
AAC myth versus fact
- Myth: AAC prevents verbal speech.
- Reality: Studies show AAC reduces frustration and often increases speech development by providing visual and auditory models.
- Myth: Users must "prove" readiness.
- Reality: There are no cognitive, motor or age prerequisites for AAC.
- Myth: It’s only for completely non-speaking people.
- Reality: AAC is highly effective for individuals with limited, inconsistent or unclear speech.
- Myth: Start with low-tech before high-tech.
- Reality: Users can start directly with high-tech systems; both types have distinct advantages.
- Myth: AAC is too expensive/unavailable.
- Reality: Various programs, like public insurance, often cover high-tech devices.
Pediatric speech therapists help pair the right tool with a child’s needs
It’s important to note that AAC options range from low-tech (picture boards, hand gestures) to high-tech (speech-generating apps) based on each child’s needs. The right tool with the right child is vital for success.
Finding that right fit is the expertise SLPs bring to children under their care. Not every tool works for every child. Speech therapists assess communication needs and, with a thorough understanding of available options, select and customize the most appropriate system. They also provide training for the child, caregivers and other communication partners, including teachers.
It’s more than if the tool answers the communication need. These therapists work with other professionals like physical therapists and occupational therapists to determine what systems work for each individual based on their physical abilities and needs to complete activities of daily living.
AAC device or method need considerations could include:
- Tech options — choosing the best method, low tech or high tech
- Weight and size of the AAC device
- Mounting needs such as to a wheelchair
- Operating systems — what system is most familiar to the child and parents for ease of use
- Hand movement ability — able to move hands effectively to use buttons or prevent buttons from being hit inadvertently
- Special features like customizable vocabulary or multilingual options
- Dynamic displays
- Specialized access methods — such as eye-tracking, head tracking or switch scanning
- And more
All of the assessment and customization comes from the direct relationship between the child, the SLP and the parents. Through therapy sessions, direct-measure assessment tests and tools, understanding of lifestyle needs and observation, the right solution can be found.
Helping kids connect - benefits of AAC
Once a child is matched with a good tool and they adapt to its use, they, their parents and teachers should start to see benefits including:
- Reduced frustration and behavior issues – children act out when they cannot fully communicate their needs. AAC offers a functional way to express wants, needs and feelings.
- Encouraged language growth – AAC provides a consistent model of language, helping children learn language rules, build sentences and expand vocabulary.
- Increased functional communication – AAC gives children a voice, creates a connection to others and fosters independence and inclusion.
- Supported cognitive and academic development – AAC enables participation in activities, making learning accessible and boosting academic achievement.
- Improved communication understanding – AAC assists with expressive (speaking) and receptive (understanding) language.
Focus is everything
Enrolling in speech therapy means families and speech-language pathologists partner as a team to help their child grow. In that partnership are two key components for a positive experience: buy-in from all involved and willingness to be flexible during the process.
Focus always remains on the child.
Once a tool is chosen, even with the best assessment, it may not work for the child. Therapists assess and evaluate constantly to make sure the child is getting what they need. If the chosen AAC tool is falling short, a deeper dive into what is working and what isn’t helps to choose a different tool.
If AAC is working the way it is intended, as the child develops, they may become stronger in certain areas and a new tool may be needed to address slower developing areas of communication. There is no hard end to the story.
A speech-language pathologist understands the give and take that happens as a child develops. Their commitment to success for the child goes beyond just one period of time and doesn’t end when the tool is in place.
Just as communication is a skill that carries through a lifetime, a speech therapist remains a resource and trusted guide throughout your child’s development and can be called upon whenever there is a new need or concern. They are just one call or one appointment away from unlocking your child’s potential.
Clinical contribution to this blog provided by Speech-Language Pathologist Frances “Fran” Bodkin.