My non-speaking, autistic son, “shouldn’t” have an AAC device yet.

If we had waited for an NHS Speech Therapist to recommend use of an AAC device for Ethan, if we’d listened to the super common AAC myths, if we’d taken to heart the active discouragement we’d had from professionals or we had waited to fit the detailed criteria for a funded device, we would have missed out on so, so, so much.

AAC self-advocacy

AAC requests

AAC commentary

AAC developments

AAC education

AAC humour

AAC fun

AAC connection

All the above has been life changing for Ethan & for all of us as a family over the past 18 months – it’s supported his happiness, his mental health, his learning, his relationships – it’s impacted everything for the better.

Whilst I highly recommend having some input along the way from Speech Therapists, AAC specialists & AAC assessors [brilliant ones are worth their weight in gold] – I want you to know that you can absolutely get started as a family yourself. You need an iPad & your chosen AAC app to let the AAC device journey begin. Don’t wait for perfection, don’t wait for permission, don’t let the gatekeeping win – AAConversations are waiting.

p.s Let me know if you want me to share some specific & real life examples of all the AAC points above I would be so happy to share them with you! Please ask.