Skip to content
  • Services
    • Speech & Feeding and Lactation Services
    • Insurance vs Self-Pay FAQs
    • Does My Plan Cover Speech Therapy?
  • About Us
  • Testimonials
  • SITC BLOG
    • SPEECH
    • FEEDING
    • AAC
    • Orofacial Myology
    • ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
    • LANGUAGE
    • Practice News
    • ESPAÑOL
  • Resources
    • Client Login
    • ADVOCACY
    • Boom Store
    • TPT Store
    • Podcasts & Interviews
    • Therapy Resources
    • Employment
  • Contact
  • Services
    • Speech & Feeding and Lactation Services
    • Insurance vs Self-Pay FAQs
    • Does My Plan Cover Speech Therapy?
  • About Us
  • Testimonials
  • custom-logo
  • SITC BLOG
    • SPEECH
    • FEEDING
    • AAC
    • Orofacial Myology
    • ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
    • LANGUAGE
    • Practice News
    • ESPAÑOL
  • Resources
    • Client Login
    • ADVOCACY
    • Boom Store
    • TPT Store
    • Podcasts & Interviews
    • Therapy Resources
    • Employment
  • Contact
Common AAC Misconceptions
AAC

Common AAC Misconceptions

November 24, 2020December 28, 2020 speechinthecity Comments Off on Common AAC Misconceptions

The research on the implementation, use and development of specialized AAC systems has skyrocketed in the past few years! It is important as AAC advocates we stay on top of the news and research to provide better therapy for our clients. Outdated research is outdated. When working with AAC users, we owe it to them and the families to remove biases and work on the best total approach for the AAC user. Here are some outdated misconceptions in the AAC SLP world:

Only trial an AAC system of the child is not talking by age 5… nope! This is not true at all! The earlier we get the child exposed to a robust communication system the better. Research shows (and I’ve seen with my own eyes!!) that use of AAC does not slow down verbal speech. ⁣
⁣
The user must first master picture cards before being allowed to use a high tech device… nope! This is outdated thinking. Research shows that a child should try many types of AAC systems during trial periods to figure out the best communication system.⁣
⁣
You should only teach one word at a time… nope! You can adapt your style of teaching language to what suits the child’s needs. I like to teach following the “80/20” teaching 80% core and 20% fridge vocabulary method. ⁣
⁣
The child must first master a smaller grid size before transitioning to a larger grid size… nope! This will most likely be harder! We rely on motor planning as a means for quick and easy communication. ⁣
⁣
The child should have the same layout as their class… nope! Layouts should be customized and child specific. ⁣
⁣
A word should only be added if the child gets 80% accuracy on the current cells… nope! You will be teaching one word at a time forever. The more you are modeling the more you are “talking the talk” of AAC. ⁣
⁣
The user should first learn how to request items using their device… nope! Personally I like to work on words like “more” “want” after we work on other language functions. You don’t need to teach “more” first. ⁣
⁣
If the family speaks another language at home, it doesn’t matter, the device should be only in the language used at school…. nope! How will this ever get carried over if it’s not in a language the family communicates in?!

AACassistive technologyaugmentative communicationmotor speech

Related Posts

Too Young for AAC?
Too Young for AAC?
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Symbol Use and Transitioning CVI Stages
Symbol Use and Transitioning CVI Stages
The Best Practice For Teaching Vocabulary
The Best Practice For Teaching Vocabulary

Post navigation

Too Young for AAC?
Hey, There!

Hey, There!

Welcome from Rebecca
Welcome to Speech in The City's blog. Here you'll find out lots of resources to help you or your child in speech and/or feeding therapy. We are always looking for new families to meet and professionals to learn from -Rebecca

CATEGORIES

  • AAC
  • ADVOCACY
  • ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
  • ESPAÑOL
  • FEEDING
  • LANGUAGE
  • ORAL MOTOR
  • Orofacial Myology
  • Podcasts and Interviews
  • Practice News
  • SPEECH
  • Testimonials
  • Therapy Resources

Join Us

Get the latest speech news, home therapy ideas and practice updates.

More Posts

<strong>From Rewards to Curiosity: Using Extrinsic Motivation as a Bridge to Intrinsic Motivation in Feeding Therapy</strong>
FEEDING ➤ January 27, 2025

From Rewards to Curiosity: Using Extrinsic Motivation as a Bridge to Intrinsic Motivation in Feeding Therapy

Motivating a child to step outside their comfort zone with food can be one of the most complex challenges in feeding therapy. For families navigating picky eating, the frustration and worry are palpable. A child’s...

Read More
When Your Child is a Gestalt Language Processor: A Parent’s Guide
LANGUAGE ➤ August 20, 2024

When Your Child is a Gestalt Language Processor: A Parent’s Guide

Discovering that your child is a gestalt language processor (GLP) can feel both overwhelming and exciting. While it may mean adjusting your communication and learning strategies, it also opens a world of possibilities for your...

Read More
When Should My Child Stop Thumb Sucking?
Orofacial Myology ➤ July 12, 2024

When Should My Child Stop Thumb Sucking?

Thumb sucking is a common and natural reflex for babies and young children. It can provide comfort and security, helping them to relax and fall asleep. However, if thumb sucking continues beyond the age of...

Read More

Instagram

  • Contact
  • Client Login
  • Employment
  • Newsletter
© 2025 | Made in New York City