Getting Started with AAC: 5 Things Parents Should Know Before a Device Trial

Introduction

Stop me if this sounds familiar…

You’ve just been told your child might benefit from an AAC device, and suddenly you’re staring down a wall of unfamiliar terms, acronyms, and tech talk. Augmentative and Alternative Communication? Device trial? Core vocabulary? It all feels overwhelming — and if you’re being honest, a little scary.

You might be thinking:

• “What if this means my child will never talk?”

• “How will they even use a device?”

• “What if I mess this up?”

  
  

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Most parents stepping into the AAC world feel exactly the same way at first — unsure, emotional, and desperate to do the right thing.

Here’s the good news: you are doing the right thing. Starting the AAC journey doesn’t mean giving up on speech. It means opening up more possibilities for your child to express themselves. And a device trial? It’s not a commitment — it’s an exploration.

I’ve written this guide to help you cut through the noise and feel more prepared. You’ll walk away with five clear, practical things you need to know before your child starts a device trial — so you can support them with confidence and calm.

1. A Device Trial Is Not a Life Sentence

When you're handed a device or told your child will be doing an AAC trial, it's easy to panic. You might worry this is the “point of no return” — like choosing AAC means you’re giving up on your child ever speaking, or that you’re locking them into a certain path forever.

But here’s the truth: a device trial is just a trial. It’s a short-term, flexible period where your child gets the chance to try using AAC in real life. Think of it like borrowing a tool from the shed — you're seeing if it helps before you invest in buying your own.

No permanent decisions are made during a trial. In fact, the whole point is to gather data — to see what works, what doesn’t, and how your child responds. It’s an opportunity to explore different features, voice options, layouts, and even device types (iPad-based systems vs. dedicated speech devices, for example).

Here’s what a trial can help uncover:

• Does your child respond better to symbols or words?

• Are they more successful with touch or eye gaze?

• Do they show interest or avoid the device altogether?

And if a trial doesn’t go smoothly? That’s still useful information. It might mean trying a different setup, a different device, or even pressing pause for a while. It’s not a failure — it’s feedback.

👉 Bottom line: This isn’t forever. You’re gathering clues, not signing contracts. The trial is there to give your child a voice — or a better shot at finding one.

2. AAC Supports Speech, It Doesn’t Replace It

One of the most common fears parents have is this:“If my child starts using a device… will they stop trying to talk?”

It’s a completely valid concern. You don’t want to send the message that speech isn’t important. But here’s what decades of research — and real-world experience — tells us: AAC does not stop speech development. In fact, it can support it.

Here’s why.

For many children, language and speech are two separate things. They may have ideas and things to say, but they don’t yet have the physical ability to form clear words. AAC gives them a way to communicate while their speech develops — not instead of.

Using a device can:

• Reduce frustration so they’re more motivated to interact.

• Model language in a clear, consistent way.

• Build vocabulary that eventually transfers to speech.

In other words, AAC can take the pressure off. Instead of struggling to speak and being misunderstood (or ignored), your child gets a way to express themselves now. And the more they see communication working, the more likely they are to want to try using speech — or combine both methods.

Some children start talking more once they begin using AAC. Others continue using both — speech for some things, device for others. And for some, AAC is their main voice. All of these are valid outcomes.

👉 Bottom line: You’re not choosing between AAC and speech. You’re giving your child more ways to be heard — not fewer.

3. You Don’t Need to Be Tech-Savvy

Let’s be honest — when you first see an AAC device, it can feel like a mini spaceship. Buttons, grids, symbols, voices… and now you’re supposed to help your child use this? You might be thinking, “I’m not a tech person — how am I meant to support this?”

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech whiz to make a huge impact.

AAC isn’t about mastering software — it’s about creating opportunities for your child to communicate. And most modern AAC systems are designed with families in mind. They're built to be simple, customizable, and supported by professionals who’ll help you every step of the way.

Here’s what really matters:

• You’re modeling words on the device in everyday situations (e.g. tapping “go” before pushing the swing).

• You’re showing interest when your child uses the device — even if they only press one button.

• You’re making it part of life — using it at the dinner table, in the car, during bedtime stories.

And when it comes to the technical side? You’re not alone. Speech therapists, AAC specialists, and device reps are there to support setup, training, and troubleshooting. You’re not expected to know everything — you're expected to learn alongside your child.

Even simple things — like carrying the device with you, keeping it charged, or encouraging your child to touch a button — can make a big difference. Tech skills are helpful, but what really counts is your willingness to show up and try.

👉 Bottom line: You don’t need to be perfect with the tech. You just need to be present, curious, and open to learning.

4. Your Role as a Parent Is Crucial

You might assume that AAC is something the therapists handle — that it’s their job to teach your child how to use the device, and yours is just to wait and see. But the truth is, your role is one of the most powerful parts of the process.

Therapists may introduce the device.But you are the one who brings it to life.

Children learn to communicate by watching the people around them. That’s why your involvement — especially during the trial — can make or break your child’s success with AAC. It’s not about running speech therapy at home. It’s about making communication part of real life.

Here’s how you can support your child:

• Model words on the device as you go about your day. If you’re giving a snack, tap “eat.” Before leaving the house, tap “go.”

• Respond to attempts — even if they’re just hitting random buttons at first. This shows the device is worth using.

• Keep the device nearby — just like you wouldn’t take away a toddler’s voice box, the AAC device should be accessible, not left in a bag or drawer.

  
  

And don’t worry if you’re learning as you go. It’s not about perfection — it’s about consistency. Your child needs to see that communication happens everywhere, not just during therapy.

Also, you know your child best. Your insights — what motivates them, what frustrates them, what their body language means — help shape how AAC is used and adapted. Don’t underestimate how valuable that is.

👉 Bottom line: You’re not a bystander in this journey. You’re the guide, the cheerleader, and the bridge between your child and the world.

5. Progress Takes Time (and That’s OK)

Here’s something most people won’t say out loud: AAC progress can be slow — and that’s perfectly normal.

It’s easy to hope that once your child gets the device, they’ll start “talking” with it straight away. But learning to use AAC is just like learning a new language. It takes time, patience, and loads of practice — especially during the trial phase.

At first, your child might just press random buttons. Or avoid the device altogether. Or only use one word repeatedly. You might wonder, “Is this even working?” But just like babies babble before they talk, AAC users go through their own early learning stages too.

Here’s what progress can actually look like:

• Your child starts noticing the device when you model words.

• They begin to reach for it in certain situations (even if they don’t use it yet).

• They respond when you use the device — with a smile, a gesture, or a look.

• They start hitting a few key buttons with purpose, even if it’s not full sentences.

  
  

These are all wins — even if they feel small. Every time your child sees that the device helps them connect with others, it reinforces the idea that communication is worth the effort.

It’s also worth saying: don’t measure your child’s success against someone else’s timeline. Some children take off quickly. Others need months (or longer) to warm up. What matters is steady, supported progress — not speed.

👉 Bottom line: Be patient with the process. AAC is a journey, not a sprint — and every small step forward counts.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Stepping into the world of AAC can feel like a lot — and that’s because it is a lot. New tools, new language, new expectations. It’s completely normal to feel unsure at first.

But here’s what matters most: you’re showing up. You’re exploring options. You’re learning how to support your child in finding their voice — whether that’s spoken, signed, or supported by a device.

To recap, here’s what you now know:

• A device trial is just that — a trial, not a permanent decision.

• AAC supports speech — it doesn’t take it away.

• You don’t need to be a tech expert to make a big difference.

• Your role as a parent is powerful — you're the link between device and daily life.

• Progress may be slow, but it is progress.

  
  

You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to keep going.

There will be bumps and questions along the way — but you’re not doing this alone. Whether it’s your child’s therapist, an AAC consultant, or other families walking the same path, support is out there.

So take a breath, trust your gut, and remember:You’re giving your child a way to be heard. And that’s one of the most powerful gifts you can offer.