Will using a device or visuals keep my child from talking? Research has an answer!

I have heard many parents whose children aren’t currently using natural speech or their speech development is delayed say: “I don’t want a device to keep my child from learning to talk on their own.”

This is a common and understandable concern. We all want our children to be able to share their voice, speak their mind, and tell us what they want and need so that they can fully engage in their world. Will a device or visuals help them do that or not?

Let’s first define some key terms and ideas:

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC): Any form of communication that is not natural/oral speech. (A speech generating device like an iPad, pictures or visuals, or signs and gestures, etc.)

Autonomous Communication: Things an individual expresses independently, unprompted, and not in imitation. Thoughts and feelings that they want to express themselves.

Functional Communication: The ability to use language to express feelings, thoughts, and desires in a way that can be understood by others in real world situations.

Everyone deserves the right to learn to communicate functionally and autonomously.

So, what does the research say? There is NO evidence that using AAC will decrease a child’s likelihood of speaking. In fact, the research shows the OPPOSITE will likely be true.

– One study of minimally verbal school-aged children with autism found an increase in spontaneous language when therapy included a speech-generating device. (Kasari et al., 2014)

– Other studies found that natural speech improved when therapy worked on both AAC and natural speech simultaneously. (Miller, Light, & Schlosser, 2016; Sedey, Rosin, & Miller, 1991)

– Research shows that using AAC can decrease frustration a child feels when they are unable to communicate their thoughts and feelings. (Carr & Durand, 1985; Drager, Light, & McNaughton, 2010; Mirenda, 1997; Robinson and Owens, 1995)

Key things to remember:

– ALL forms of communication are VALID. They all should be accepted and honored, even as we work to improve them.

– We all use many different modes of communicating. We text messages, send emails, and use non-verbal body language. We all use AAC! Our kids can too!

– There doesn’t need to be an either/or approach to communication. We can focus on both AAC and natural speech (and research says we should!). – MOST IMPORTANT: your child needs the ability to communicate what they want to say, when they want to say it (autonomously), and in a way that can be understood (functionally).

Talk with your APT Speech Therapist about the best ways to support your child’s autonomous and functional communication skills!

James Weakley, MS, CCC-SLP

Research:

Kasari et al. (2014): “Communication Interventions for Minimally Verbal Children With Autism: Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial.”

Millar, Light, & Schlosser (2006): “The Impact of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Intervention on the Speech Production of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities: A Research Review.”

Sedey Rosin & Miller (1991): “Augmentative Communication and Early Intervention: Myths and Realities.”

Carr & Durand (1985): “Reducing behavior problems through functional communication training.”

Drager Light & Mcnaughton (2010): “Effects of AAC interventions on communication and language for young children with complex communication needs.”

Robinson & Owens (1995): “Functional augmentative communication and behavioral change.