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Frequently Asked Questions

Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction Q. Won’t the use of AAC interfere with verbal development?
 A. This is a very common concern, yet, the available research indicates that AAC facilitates verbal language by improving interaction, or providing a model for speech (Cress, 1997). Children will likely use the most effective means of communication available to them. Intelligible speech is more efficient than any AAC system hands down!

Q. Does a child need to be at a certain cognitive stage before AAC is tried?
A. In the past many educators felt that children need to have certain “cognitive prerequisites” before they were considered candidates for AAC. We no longer believe that. Early AAC intervention builds on a child’s current behaviors/actions/gestures, which are then shaped into skills for communication. AAC training does not depend on the ability to understand abstract symbols or use complex devices.

Q. If a child appears to have no interest in communicating, should we still use AAC?
A. AAC evaluation and training often forces us to closely look at a child’s communicative style and try to find out what motivates the child. Sometimes it is very difficult to find those interests. However, by both finding a method to communicate and identifying reasons to communicate, AAC intervention can be very powerful! It is important to adapt the environment, modify activities, and alter routines to create meaningful activities that are motivating for a given child.

Q. What should we do if an individual isn’t using her VOCA? Do we need to buy a different one?
A. While it possible that the device does not match the individual’s needs, it is more likely not a problem of the device! It is easy to become distracted by costly equipment and technology and forget that people teach communication, not technology. A device will not provide motivation if it is not part of highly motivating communication opportunities. Therefore, poor use of a device is more likely due to what vocabulary is selected and whether the individual uses it to initiate requests and comments rather that merely respond to questions.