Aac
Can my child use both speech and AAC together?
Yes — children can and should use speech and AAC together. AAC does not replace or block speech; evidence shows it often increases spoken words by reducing frustration and modelling language. Pinnacle uses a total-communication approach, pairing AAC with speech therapy under clinician-led care.
Many parents fear a talker takes speech away — the research says the opposite: giving your child a voice now helps speech grow, not shrink.
In short
Yes — absolutely. Your child can and should use both spoken words and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) together. AAC is not a replacement for speech and it does not stop speech developing — decades of evidence show it often supports spoken language by lowering frustration and giving your child a reliable way to be understood while words are still emerging. Think of AAC as another lane on the same road to communication, not a detour away from it.Why both work together
AAC includes anything that helps a child communicate alongside or instead of speech — picture cards, sign, gestures, or a speech-generating app on a tablet. A common worry is that it will make a child "lazy" about talking. Strong, consistent research finds no truth in this: children who use AAC frequently show increases in their spoken words, not decreases.It makes sense when you watch it happen:
- A child who can request what they want has less meltdown and more motivation to connect.
- Hearing the device or seeing the symbol pairs sound with meaning, modelling language back to the child.
- Success at being understood builds the confidence to try speech, not avoid it.
This is why therapists use a total communication approach — we welcome every channel your child has, and gently grow the ones that come most naturally.
The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care — never from an app or online form. From there, our team builds a plan that pairs AAC with speech therapy so the two reinforce each other, and reviews progress using a clinician-administered AbilityScore® assessment. You can [start your child's journey with us](/) whenever you're ready.Trusted sources
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidance on AAC, which confirms AAC supports rather than hinders speech development; WHO and AAP perspectives on early communication support.Next step — Wondering which mix of speech and AAC suits your child? [Book a Pinnacle assessment](/) and a clinician will guide you.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Watch for your child reaching, pointing, leading you by the hand or using a picture or device to ask for things — these are real communication wins. Notice whether being understood reduces frustration and increases attempts to vocalise or say words.
Try this at home
Model it yourself: when you hand your child the device or a picture card, also say the word out loud. Pairing the symbol with the spoken word, many times a day, is one of the most powerful things you can do.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-11 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Will using AAC stop my child from learning to talk?
No. This is the most common worry, and research consistently shows the opposite — children who use AAC tend to show increases in spoken words, not decreases. AAC reduces frustration and models language, which can encourage speech to emerge.
What counts as AAC?
AAC is anything that supports or replaces speech: gestures, sign, picture cards, communication boards, or speech-generating apps on a tablet. It can be high-tech or as simple as pointing to pictures.
When should we introduce AAC?
There is no minimum age and no need to 'fail' at speech first. AAC can be introduced early as part of a total-communication approach. A Pinnacle clinician can advise on the right mix for your child after an assessment.