When people hear “AAC,” or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, they often think it means speaking ability is already gone. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings in communication care.

In reality, AAC works best when it starts early—especially for people with progressive conditions such as ALS, post-stroke or CVA, primary progressive aphasia, dementia (and more).

At Iowa Speech Solutions, we view AAC as a way to protect communication, not replace it.

What Is AAC?

AAC includes any tool that helps someone communicate when speech and language becomes difficult. This can include:

• Writing or drawing

• Communication notebooks or binders

• Picture or word boards

• Tablets or speech-generating devices

AAC can be low-tech, high-tech, or a mix of both. There is no single “right” system.

Why Start AAC Early?

Progressive conditions may change communication over time. The changes can be slow and stepwise, or rapid. Starting AAC early allows people to learn and practice before communication becomes stressful.

Here’s why early AAC makes such a difference:

1. Familiarity Comes Before Need

Learning a new communication system takes time and practice. When AAC is introduced early:

• Clients learn where words/phrases/ideas are located. There is time to make the AAC more individualized and personal.

• Care partners learn how to support use

• The system becomes part of daily life

When communication changes start or continue to occur, the established AAC already feels familiar and more natural.

2. AAC Supports Independence

Communication is about more than basic needs. It’s about:

• Making choices

• Sharing opinions

• Expressing humor, frustration, and personality

Early AAC helps people stay involved in conversations and daily decisions as their needs change.

3. Voice Banking Is Time-Sensitive

For some conditions, especially ALS, early AAC planning includes voice banking.

Voice banking allows a person to record their natural voice while speech is still clear enough. That voice can later be used in a speech-generating device. This helps people maintain a sense of identity and familiarity for themselves and their loved ones.

Voice banking works best before communication changes significantly, which is why early referral is so important.

Does AAC Stop Someone from Talking?

No. AAC does not stop speech.

Research and clinical experience show that AAC:

• Reduces frustration

• Supports language

• Often helps people communicate more, not less

People can interchange how they communication and use AAC when they need extra support. AAC simply gives more options.

AAC Looks Different for Every Person

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Like most of what we do, it’s all individualized.

Some people prefer:

• Paper systems or binders

• Simple written supports

Others prefer:

• Tablets or speech-generating devices

• Technology that speaks for them

Many people use both, depending on the situation. The best AAC system is the one that fits the person’s:

• Abilities

• Preferences

• Daily routines

• Cognitive and physical needs

Planning Ahead Is an Act of Care

Starting AAC early is not about giving up on one’s own speech and language abilities. It’s about planning ahead, reducing stress, building familiarity and protecting communication over time.

When AAC is introduced early, clients and care partners have time to learn together—with less feelings of pressure or frustration.

At Iowa Speech Solutions, we believe communication planning is a key part of neurological therapeutic care. Everyone deserves access to tools that help them stay connected, heard, and understood.