At FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers, we believe every child deserves a way to communicate—whether through words, gestures, pictures, or technology. For some children, developing spoken language is a longer journey. That’s where AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, can be life-changing. An AAC evaluation can help your child’s speech-language pathologists (SLPs) determine whether this is an appropriate intervention to help bolster your child’s speech and language development.

As pediatric speech therapists, we often hear questions like:

• “What if my child isn’t talking yet?”
• “Will using AAC prevent them from ever speaking?”
• “Is my child too young—or too old—for AAC?”

These are valid concerns, and we’re here to provide reassurance, support, and clarity.

What Is AAC?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It’s a broad term that includes any method of communication that supplements or replaces spoken language. AAC gives children a voice when speech is limited or delayed.

There are many types of AAC, including:

• Low-tech AAC: Picture boards, choice cards, communication books, gestures, and sign language
• Mid-tech AAC: Simple voice-output devices or switches
• High-tech AAC: Speech-generating devices and dynamic communication apps on tablets like iPads

AAC is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s highly personalized and designed to meet a child where they are developmentally, cognitively, and physically.

Who Uses AAC?

Many children who use AAC have complex communication needs related to one or more developmental diagnoses. Some of the most common include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Childhood Apraxia of Speech
• Global Developmental Delay
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Rare genetic or neurological conditions

However, a child doesn’t need a specific diagnosis to benefit from AAC. If verbal language is limited, inconsistent, or causing frustration, AAC might be the key to unlocking communication.

Signs Your Child Might Benefit From a Fort Myers AAC Evaluation

If you’re wondering whether your child should undergo an AAC evaluation, here are some signs our Fort Myers speech therapists look for:

• Your child is over age 2 and not yet using words functionally
• Your child uses less than 20 words consistently by age 3
• Your child communicates mostly by pulling, pointing, or crying
• Your child has trouble imitating sounds or words
• Your child shows frustration during communication or has frequent meltdowns
• Your child understands more than they can express
• Your child’s speech is difficult to understand, even by familiar listeners
• Your child has had limited progress in traditional speech therapy alone

AAC can serve as a bridge—or even a permanent solution—to help your child express their thoughts, needs, and feelings.

Myth: AAC Will Stop My Child From Talking

This is one of the biggest misconceptions we hear. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), introducing AAC does not hinder speech development—in fact, it can support and enhance it.

Research shows that AAC can:

• Increase a child’s desire to communicate
• Provide consistent access to language
• Reduce frustration and challenging behaviors
• Improve verbal speech when it does emerge

A 2019 evidence-based review by ASHA confirms that AAC use is associated with increased expressive language, including spoken words, across children with various developmental disabilities.

In other words: AAC doesn’t replace the hope for speech—it supports the path to it.

What Does a Fort Myers AAC Evaluation Look Like at FOCUS Therapy?

When you bring your child to FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers for an AAC evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive and compassionate process, tailored to your child’s abilities and needs.

Here’s how it works:

1. Gathering the Full Picture

We start by reviewing your child’s developmental history, speech/language milestones, diagnoses, and communication attempts. We collaborate with other members of your child’s therapy team (including OTs, ABA therapists, and teachers) for a full view of strengths and challenges.

2. Assessing Communication Skills

Using formal and informal assessments, we look at receptive language, expressive abilities, motor planning, attention, joint engagement, and symbolic play.

3. Trialing AAC Tools

We may introduce low-tech communication boards or high-tech apps (like LAMP Words for Life, TouchChat, or Proloquo) to see how your child responds. We observe what captures their interest and what allows them to make choices, label items, or request favorite activities.

4. Selecting the Right AAC Approach

Our SLPs recommend a system based on what works now—with the understanding that AAC is flexible and can evolve as your child grows. Sometimes, starting with a simple picture exchange is the right first step. Other times, a high-tech device opens the door to more complex communication.

AAC Doesn’t Have to Be Forever—or High-Tech

Some children use AAC temporarily until verbal language develops. Others use it alongside speech for years. And for many, AAC is a lifelong support that empowers them to thrive.

Also, AAC doesn’t always mean an iPad or expensive device. Many of our families start with picture cards, first-then boards, or choice charts at home. The key is making language visible and accessible—in whatever form that takes.

Empowering Families, One Voice at a Time

At FOCUS Therapy, we know that every child has something to say—and every parent deserves the joy of hearing it. AAC can open up that world of connection, whether it’s with a picture, a button press, or a speech-generating device.

If you’re wondering whether your child may benefit from AAC, trust your instincts—and let’s talk. Our Fort Myers speech therapists are here to guide you through the evaluation process with care, expertise, and the belief that communication is always possible.

Contact FOCUS Therapy in Fort Myers today to schedule a speech-language evaluation and learn more about AAC options for your child. Let’s find their voice—together.

FOCUS offers Fort Myers speech therapy, as well as pediatric ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and ADOS testing. Call (239) 313.5049 or Contact Us online.

Additional Resources:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), ASHA Evidence Maps, ASHA

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Fort Myers Speech Therapy With AAC Boosts Kids’ Communication Skills