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Dispelling the Myth: AAC Devices Do Not Hinder Speech and Language Development

Posted on July 22, 2026

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  • Julia McCarthy and Beth Mineo, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
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There is a prevailing myth that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices impede a child’s natural speech and language development (Blischak et al., 2003). As a result, many families-along with some physicians and clinicians-prefer to “wait and see,” wanting to give natural speech more time to develop. This well-intentioned hesitation, however, often delays the implementation of supports and strategies that could enhance a child’s communication development and long-term success (Park, 2021).

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