Stop Waiting, Start Affirming: Why Your Child's AAC Device is Their Voice, Not a Limit

When our daughter, Nai, was younger, Kes and I decided against pursuing an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device for her. If we embraced AAC, we wondered, would we ever hear “I love you,” or chat casually without some electronic monotone voice erasing her own voice?

Our focus became solely focused on strategies to grow spoken language. We ached for every new word and sentence to shatter the silence spaces we came to accept.

About two years ago, we started working with Ms. Megan (Growing Together Speech-Language Therapy) twice a month after school. One of her earliest questions was: have you all ever considered an AAC device for Nai? Instantly my body tightened, and the fears Kes and I held came tumbling out - Would an AAC device sink her deeper into isolation, and make communication distant, cold and challenging in unexpected ways?

Ms. Megan (ever the neurodiversity advocate 💕) assured us it wouldn’t, and then connected with Nai’s school therapist at the time, Ms. Liz, to encourage the use of AAC as a communication support tool. Before long, Nai began trialing a device at school, and her language (spoken & supported by AAC) began exploding. Our skepticism and fear faded.

We reached out to the school district about providing a personal AAC device for Nai, but it became apparent this would take a while. Ms. Megan and Ms. Liz urged us to call our insurance company. Approval came quickly, and we all worked together to customize Nai’s device. Finally, we had found a way to connect with her more fully (deeply grateful to Ms. Megan and Ms. Liz)!

I see now how I unconsciously swallowed the lies of ableism—in this case, the insidious belief that only spoken language is a truly valid, and real form of communication.

These devices are not limits; they are access points, pathways for our kids to express their thoughts, regulate emotions, and connect with the world around them in ways which respect their beautiful brains.

We must support and affirm every form of expression—no exceptions!

If you're new to AAC, or if you're looking for ways to better integrate it into your family life, I am uplifting a few neurodiversity-affirming tips that have been game-changers for us:

1. Take Their Voice Everywhere: Mamas, one of the biggest mistakes we can make is treating the AAC device like a homework assignment or a "school thing." Your child's voice belongs everywhere they go—the park, grocery store, doctor’s office, and even your cozy couch.

The Goal: Make the device an authentic, always-accessible part of their identity.

Actionable Tip: Get a comfortable, durable strap or case. When you leave the house, the checklist isn't just "keys, wallet, phone"—it's "keys, wallet, phone, and voice." This consistency is critical for building comfort and fluency in all settings, not just the structured ones like school!

2. Get Everyone on the Communication Team: Your child's communication is only as powerful as the people who support it. It’s not enough for you and their Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) to know how to use it. Everyone in their life needs to be able to talk with them using the device.

The Goal: To ensure your child is always able to communicate effectively with friends, grandparents, cousins, and babysitters.

Action Step: Don't just show family and friends the device; show them how to use it for modeling (Aided Language Input). For example, teach them to hit the "STOP" button when they stop pushing a swing, or the "MORE" button before refilling a juice glass. This supportive modeling shows your child, "I know how to speak your language."

3. Advocate Relentlessly for Access: For families like ours, securing an AAC device is a battle—whether it's with the school district or the insurance company. If you're running into walls, remember this: A communication device is medically necessary and a fundamental human right.

The Goal: To ensure your child has the tools they need without crippling financial barriers.

Actionable Tip: Push your insurance company! We did, and it made all the difference. Get a prescription and a detailed report from a qualified SLP—like Ms. Megan at @growtogetherslp, who was instrumental in helping us get Nai’s device—and keep pushing. Documentation and persistence are your greatest sources of strength!

4. Keep Affirming & Honoring Their Voice: The journey isn’t linear. There will be frustrating days when your child throws the device or refuses to use it. There will be breakthrough days when they use it to express an unexpected, complex thought. On all days, your job remains the same, affirm & honor there voice!

The Goal: Send a clear message - You are heard. You are valued. The way you communicate is perfect.

Actionable Tip: When they choose to communicate, whether it’s with their hands, sounds, or the device, pause and respond meaningfully. Honor their attempts, show excitement over their progress, and never, ever make them feel rushed or less-than for taking their time. You are their fiercest cheerleader and #advocatelikeamother.