10-Minute Speech Practice That Doesn't Require Sitting Still

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is an AAC talking device?

AAC stands for augmentative and alternative communication. A talking device is the output end of that system. It produces speech, either through pre-recorded human voice or computer-generated (text-to-speech) voice, so the person using it can communicate without relying only on spoken words.

These devices don't replace speech therapy. They work alongside it. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines AAC as "all forms of communication other than oral speech that are used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas" ^[1]. That definition is broad on purpose, because the category runs from a laminated picture board all the way to an eye-gaze computer.

For this article, "AAC talking device" means any system that generates actual speech output: a speaker built into dedicated hardware, a speech-generating app on a tablet, or a recorded-voice button. That narrows the field to what most families are actually searching for, which is something their child can use to speak.

Here's the thing to understand early. There is no single best device. A child's motor skills, cognitive profile, vision, hearing, and daily environment all shape which system actually gets used. Choosing wrong doesn't ruin anything permanently, but it wastes time and money, and it can shake a family's confidence in AAC altogether.

Who uses AAC talking devices?

Children and adults across a broad spread of diagnoses use AAC devices. The most common groups in pediatric practice include:

• Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who are minimally verbal or nonspeaking
• Kids with childhood apraxia of speech, a motor-planning disorder that makes it hard to coordinate the movements needed for spoken words ^[2]
• Children with cerebral palsy or other physical conditions that affect speech musculature
• Kids with Down syndrome
• Children who have had traumatic brain injuries or strokes
• Kids with developmental delays of unknown origin who are significantly behind age-expected speech

The numbers are hard to pin down precisely. Research estimates that between 1.3% and 2.2% of the general population has a complex communication need severe enough to benefit from AAC ^[3]. Among autistic children specifically, somewhere between 25% and 30% remain minimally verbal through childhood, according to research published in Pediatrics ^[4].

Families ask this a lot: do you have to be completely nonspeaking to use a device? No. Many children use AAC alongside functional (if limited) speech. The device fills in when speech breaks down under fatigue, anxiety, or sensory overload. Using a device does not stop a child from developing more spoken language. A frequently cited 2006 review in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found "no evidence" that AAC inhibits speech development, and some evidence that it supports it ^[5].

If your child has been identified as a late talker or is receiving early intervention services, raise AAC with your service coordinator now, not after the wait-and-see period runs out.

What are the main types of AAC talking devices?

The category breaks into three broad buckets. Understanding the differences matters before you spend a dollar or attend a single evaluation.

1. Dedicated speech-generating devices (SGDs)

These are purpose-built hardware units. Think Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo (makers of the Accent and NovaChat lines), and Lingraphica. They run specialized AAC software, have reinforced casings, long battery life, and loud external speakers. Because they are medical devices, they qualify for insurance and Medicaid funding. Prices run from roughly $3,000 to $9,000 without funding ^[6].

Dedicated devices are the gold standard for a child whose primary communication tool will be the device. The software tends to have more features, the vocabulary systems are built by AAC researchers, and repair and replacement pipelines exist specifically for these products.

2. AAC apps on consumer tablets (iPad, Android)

Apps like Proloquo2Go (AssistiveWare), TouchChat, LAMP Words for Life, and Snap Core First run on standard tablets. The app itself costs $250 to $500. Add a rugged case and a decent iPad and you're at roughly $800 to $1,200 total, a fraction of a dedicated device ^[6].

The tradeoff: tablets do many things, which means they break, get used for YouTube, and don't always qualify for insurance funding (more on that below). But for many families, a well-configured iPad with a strong AAC app is the practical starting point because it's available right now.

3. Low-tech SGDs and recorded-voice devices

Think Big Mack buttons and GoTalk boards. A single Big Mack button records one message and costs around $50. GoTalk boards hold multiple pre-recorded phrases and cost $80 to $200. These are low-tech by definition but genuinely powerful for early communicators, children with significant motor impairments who need large targets, or any situation where an iPad isn't appropriate (pool, sandbox, sensory bin play).

"Talking tiles" AAC device systems, like the ones from Boardmaker or homemade PCS (Picture Communication Symbols) sets with recorded buttons, fall into this category too. They're often the first AAC system a child touches in a school or therapy setting.

How do you choose the right AAC device for your child?

This is where families get overwhelmed, and the honest answer is that you don't choose alone. The selection process should involve a speech-language pathologist (SLP) trained in AAC, and ideally an assistive technology specialist. ASHA's guidance on AAC assessment calls for a "feature-matching" process that evaluates the device against the user's current and anticipated motor, cognitive, linguistic, and sensory abilities ^[1].

Here's what actually shapes the decision in practice.

Motor access. Can your child reliably touch a screen? Do they need larger buttons, a keyguard, or switch access? Children with motor challenges from cerebral palsy or childhood apraxia of speech may need devices with switch scanning or eye gaze built in from day one.

Vocabulary system. The biggest debate in AAC circles right now is between grid-based systems (rows of pictures in categories) and motor-planning systems like LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning). LAMP organizes vocabulary so each word always lives in the same motor location, building muscle memory the way speaking does. Grid systems are more traditional and match how most school-based AAC is set up. Neither wins across the board. The right answer depends on your child.

Portability and durability. A device that lives in a backpack must survive being dropped. Dedicated SGDs usually come with warranty programs. Tablets need good cases (OtterBox Defender and Rhino Shield are popular with AAC families).

Voice output. Does your child respond better to a natural-sounding voice, or care less? Some kids strongly prefer a child-sounding voice. Most modern SGDs let you set a voice that matches the user's age and gender.

Trial periods. Before committing, request a device trial. Most major SGD manufacturers (Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo) have loaner programs. Your child's school may also have devices they can use during an evaluation period. Never buy without your child trying it first.

If you want a lower-commitment starting point while you wait for a formal evaluation, speech therapy apps and simple recorded-voice buttons can give your child a taste of device communication without locking you into a system.

How much does an AAC talking device cost?

Cost is the first thing most families ask, and the honest answer is that self-pay prices are high but actual out-of-pocket cost can land near zero with the right funding path.

Self-pay ranges:

• Recorded-voice single-message devices: $30 to $250
• AAC apps on an existing tablet: $250 to $500 for the app
• New iPad plus app plus rugged case: $800 to $1,500
• Mid-range dedicated SGD: $3,000 to $6,000
• High-end dedicated SGD with eye gaze: $8,000 to $20,000 ^[6]

Those numbers are intimidating. Most families with eligible children don't pay full price, because several funding channels exist specifically for this.

Medicaid. Under Medicaid's durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, dedicated SGDs are covered as medical equipment when prescribed by a physician and supported by documentation from an SLP ^[7]. Coverage varies by state for specific devices and dollar limits, but most states cover SGDs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes guidance confirming SGDs qualify as DME under the HCPCS E2500 code series ^[7].

Private insurance. The Affordable Care Act requires most plans to cover habilitative and rehabilitative devices. Coverage for SGDs is inconsistent across plans, and some insurers require prior authorization plus a detailed letter of medical necessity from an SLP and physician. Annoying, but worth doing.

School districts (IDEA). Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), if a child's IEP team decides an AAC device is necessary for the child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE), the school district must provide it at no cost to the family ^[8]. This is federal law. The device belongs to the school during school hours but must be available to the child outside school if the IEP requires it.

Assistive Technology Act programs. Every state has an AT program funded under the federal AT Act. Many offer device lending, low-interest loans, and device reutilization programs (refurbished SGDs at low cost) ^[11].

Nonprofit grants. Organizations like United Cerebral Palsy, Easterseals, and local autism family foundations offer grants. Processing takes weeks to months, so apply early.

Does insurance cover AAC devices for kids with autism or speech delays?

For dedicated speech-generating devices: yes, usually, with documentation. For AAC apps on consumer tablets: it depends, and often no.

The distinction insurers draw is between a "dedicated device" (used only for AAC) and a "non-dedicated device" (a regular tablet that also plays games and runs apps). Medicaid and most private insurers will fund a dedicated SGD under the durable medical equipment benefit. They often won't fund an iPad because it's a general-purpose device.

To get insurance to cover an SGD, you typically need: 1. A speech-language evaluation documenting the child's communication needs and why speech alone is insufficient 2. A letter of medical necessity from the treating SLP 3. A physician's prescription 4. Evidence that the specific device was selected through a feature-matching process 5. Proof that less expensive alternatives (like a low-tech system) are inadequate for the child

The SLP and the SGD manufacturer's funding department usually handle most of this paperwork together. Major manufacturers like Tobii Dynavox and PRC-Saltillo have funding specialists on staff who deal with insurance companies every day. Use them.

For IDEA-covered devices through the school: the school covers the cost, period, if the IEP team agrees it's necessary. You don't file insurance for that path.

If your child is in speech therapy and the therapist hasn't raised funding options yet, ask directly: "What does the letter of medical necessity process look like, and can you help us start it?"

What AAC vocabulary systems work best for young children?

The vocabulary system matters as much as the hardware. An AAC device loaded with the wrong vocabulary organization is harder to use and slower to learn.

The main approaches for young children:

Core vocabulary systems. Core vocabulary is the 200 to 400 words that make up roughly 80% of what any person says in daily life: "more," "go," "want," "stop," "help," "no," "I," "you." Core-focused systems put these high-frequency words on the home screen, with fringe vocabulary (specific nouns like "pizza" or "dog") organized in categories one tap away. Most major AAC apps, including Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and Snap Core First, use some version of core vocabulary organization.

LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning). LAMP is built on the idea that spoken language is mostly motor memory. The motor plan for "want" is the same every single time in natural speech. LAMP applies this to AAC by giving each word a consistent motor location so the child builds automaticity through repetition. Research specifically on LAMP is limited (it's newer and smaller-scale), but the motor-learning principles it draws from are well-supported in the broader speech and language literature ^[10].

Aided Language Stimulation (ALS). This is a teaching strategy, not a vocabulary system, but it matters enormously. ALS means communication partners (parents, teachers, therapists) model on the device throughout the day, pointing to symbols as they speak. The research base for ALS is strong: consistent modeling increases device use and vocabulary growth in children with complex communication needs ^[5].

For very young children or those just starting AAC, a high-contrast talking tiles board with 4 to 9 core words can be the right starting point. Simple works. The goal is communication, not system sophistication.

If your child has autism spectrum disorder and uses echolalia as communication, the vocabulary system should honor that language style and build on it, not suppress it.

How do you actually teach a child to use an AAC device?

Getting a device into a child's hands is step one. Actual communication on the device is step two, and it takes consistent, intentional practice across every environment.

The most consistent finding in AAC research is that heavy modeling by communication partners is the single most powerful driver of device learning ^[5]. That means you use the device too. You touch the symbols as you talk. You don't just hand the device over and wait.

What works in practice:

Aided Language Stimulation all day. Every time you say "go," you hit go on the device. Every time your child reaches for a snack, you model "want eat" before giving it. This isn't drilling. It's immersion.

No device purgatory. The device stays within reach, always. Not mounted on a shelf, not zipped in a bag. A device that isn't accessible can't be used.

Presume competence. Assume your child understands more than they can express and is trying to communicate more than it looks like. This mindset changes how often you respond to device attempts, which changes how often the child tries.

Respond to all attempts. Even if your child hits a symbol by accident, respond to it as meaningful. "Oh, you said 'more'! More what?" This teaches that the device has power.

Connect with the school. If your child uses a device at home, the same system, or a highly compatible one, should be used at school. Fragmented systems slow learning dramatically. This is a legitimate IEP goal area.

Some families find that low-key apps, including Little Words (littlewords.ai), help bridge daily vocabulary practice between therapy sessions, especially for kids who do better with screen-based interaction at home. The key is consistent vocabulary across contexts, whatever tools you use.

For families dealing with apraxia of speech specifically, the motor-planning emphasis in certain AAC systems overlaps directly with how apraxia therapy works, so coordinating with your SLP on this is worth the effort.

Can a child use an AAC device at school, and does the school have to provide one?

Yes to both, under the right conditions.

IDEA, the federal law governing special education, says assistive technology devices and services must be provided at no cost to families if the IEP team determines the child needs them to access their education ^[8]. The legal standard is "free appropriate public education" (FAPE), not "ideal education," so the team's determination matters. But if an SLP documents that a child cannot meaningfully access instruction without a device, the school is legally obligated to provide it.

One nuance families miss: the device the school provides belongs to the school district, not the family. If the IEP specifies the child needs it outside school hours for educational purposes (homework, communication with family), the school must allow it to go home. This provision is often under-used because families don't know to ask for it in the IEP.

Schools also sometimes try to provide a lower-cost or less capable device than what an SLP recommended. Families can push back. The standard under IDEA is appropriateness for the child's needs, not least expensive option. If you're in dispute with the school over device selection or funding, a parent advocate or special education attorney can help.

The Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-364) also requires states to have AT programs with device lending libraries, which schools and families can use during evaluation periods before committing to a specific device ^[11].

For families new to the IEP process, understanding your rights around assistive technology is part of the broader early intervention picture and connects directly to how devices get funded through educational channels.

What is the difference between a dedicated AAC device and an AAC app on an iPad?

This comes up in almost every device evaluation, and the answer is not as simple as "dedicated is better."

A dedicated SGD is a piece of medical hardware built to do one thing: support communication. It has a louder speaker than most tablets, a more rugged casing (usually), a longer battery cycle, and software that's locked so it can't be hijacked for Netflix. Because it's a single-purpose medical device, it qualifies for Medicaid and private insurance reimbursement under the DME benefit.

An iPad running Proloquo2Go, LAMP Words for Life, or TouchChat is a general-purpose computer with a specialized app on it. The hardware costs less upfront. The app is genuinely excellent. Proloquo2Go, for example, is used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and has a 15-plus year track record. But the device also runs games, plays videos, and connects to the internet, which creates distraction problems in some children and disqualifies it from insurance funding in many cases.

In practice, families often start with an iPad because:

• They can get it this week without a funding battle
• Many families already own one
• The apps are good enough for early AAC exploration
• Insurance or Medicaid funding for a dedicated device takes 3 to 12 months to process

Then, once the child's communication needs are more established and the SLP can write a detailed letter of medical necessity, they transition to a funded dedicated device. Or they stay with the iPad setup if it's working well enough and the family can manage the distraction issue.

Neither path is wrong. The best device is the one your child will actually use consistently.

Are there free or low-cost AAC options to start with right now?

Yes, and starting free is completely reasonable, especially while you wait for an evaluation or funding.

Cboard (cboard.io). A free, open-source AAC app that runs on any web browser, iOS, or Android. Supports picture symbols and text-to-speech. No subscription. It's simpler than Proloquo2Go but functional for early communicators.

LetMeTalk (Android). Free on Google Play. Uses ARASAAC symbols (a large open-source symbol library) and generates speech. Developed in Germany with a decent track record.

Snap Core First (trial). Offers a 30-day free trial. It's one of the most widely used AAC apps in schools and gives families a real sense of what a full vocabulary system looks like.

Homemade talking tiles. Print Picture Communication Symbols (freely available through Boardmaker or via Teachers Pay Teachers) and pair them with a cheap recorded-voice button like a Big Mack. Low tech, but genuinely effective for a child building their first AAC vocabulary.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System). Not a talking device per se, but a structured visual communication system with a strong evidence base that often precedes or accompanies device use. The basic materials can be made at home, though the formal PECS training for therapists and parents has a cost.

Your state's AT lending library. Every state has an assistive technology program under the AT Act. Many run free device lending programs where you can borrow a device for 30 to 60 days before committing ^[11]. This is an underused resource.

Starting free or cheap isn't about staying there forever. It's about learning what your child responds to, so when you go through the funding process for a full SGD, you have real evidence to point to.

If you're exploring options and want a starting point for daily vocabulary practice alongside therapy, the Little Words quiz at littlewords.ai/start can help identify which words and symbols your child is most likely to connect with first.

What does the research say about AAC devices and speech development?

The evidence base for AAC is stronger than many families realize, and the most important finding cuts against the fear most parents carry: AAC does not stop children from developing spoken speech.

A 2006 systematic review by Millar, Light, and Schlosser in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology examined 23 studies and found that in 89% of cases, AAC introduction was associated with no change or an increase in natural speech production ^[5]. That finding has held up in later literature.

For children with autism specifically, a 2014 study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that high-tech SGD use was associated with gains in spontaneous speech utterances over the course of intervention ^[10].

The American Academy of Pediatrics, in its guidance on autism management, recognizes AAC as a component of communication intervention and does not recommend delaying AAC while waiting for speech to develop ^[4].

The honest caveat: the AAC research base has methodological limits. Many studies are single-subject designs with small samples, and randomized controlled trials are rare because you can't ethically withhold communication access from a control group. So effect sizes and generalizability of specific approaches are harder to nail down than in pharmaceutical research. Nobody has perfectly clean data. The closest we have says AAC helps and doesn't hurt spoken language, and that's enough to act on.

For children with echolalia, the picture is more complex. Echolalia can coexist with device use, and some children combine scripted speech and device output in ways that are functionally communicative even if unconventional. Your SLP should be thinking about this explicitly if your child has echolalia.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can a child start using an AAC talking device?

There is no minimum age. Research and clinical practice both support introducing AAC as early as 12 to 18 months if a child shows signs of significant speech delay. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association states there is no minimum cognitive or age requirement for AAC. Earlier access gives children more time to develop communication skills. Waiting until a child "fails" at speech first costs developmental time.

Will using an AAC device make my child stop trying to talk?

No. This is the most common fear families have, and the research consistently says the opposite. A 2006 systematic review in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology found that AAC was associated with no change or an increase in natural speech in 89% of cases reviewed. AAC removes communication frustration, which actually reduces the pressure that can inhibit speech attempts.

What is the difference between AAC and PECS?

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a specific, structured protocol where a child physically hands a picture card to a partner to request something. It's a low-tech AAC method with a strong evidence base for building intentional communication. A talking device generates speech output electronically. Many children start with PECS and transition to a speech-generating device. They aren't competing systems. They're often sequential steps in a communication development path.

How long does it take to get an AAC device funded through insurance?

Typically 3 to 12 months from start to device delivery. The process involves an SLP evaluation, a letter of medical necessity, a physician prescription, insurance prior authorization, possible appeals, and shipping. Medicaid timelines vary by state. Manufacturer funding departments (Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo) can speed this up significantly because they do it every day. Starting the paperwork early matters more than which insurer you have.

Can a nonspeaking autistic child learn to use an AAC device?

Yes. AAC is widely recommended for minimally verbal and nonspeaking autistic children. Research published in Pediatrics estimates 25% to 30% of autistic children remain minimally verbal through childhood, and SGDs are among the most studied interventions for this group. Success depends on consistent modeling by communication partners, appropriate vocabulary selection, and choosing a motor access method that matches the child's abilities. Presuming competence matters too.

What is the best AAC app for a child just starting out?

There is no single best app because the right choice depends on your child's motor skills, cognitive level, and how their current SLP approaches vocabulary. That said, Proloquo2Go is the most widely used and has the largest support network. LAMP Words for Life is strong for children where motor learning is a priority. For a free starting point, Cboard runs on any device and costs nothing. Always trial before committing.

Do schools have to pay for an AAC device under IDEA?

Yes, if the IEP team determines the device is necessary for the child to receive a free appropriate public education. IDEA requires assistive technology devices and services at no cost to families when the team agrees they're needed. The device belongs to the school district, but if the IEP specifies it's needed outside school hours, the school must allow it to go home. This is federal law, not a favor the school is doing.

What does "talking tiles AAC" mean?

Talking tiles are individual picture symbols, each paired with a recorded or synthesized voice output, that a child touches or places to communicate. They can be low-tech (printed cards with a recorded button overlay) or digital (tiles in an app grid that speak when tapped). The term is used loosely and sometimes refers to grid-based AAC apps where each cell in the grid is a "tile" with a symbol and voice output.

How do I get an AAC evaluation for my child?

Ask your child's pediatrician for a referral to a speech-language pathologist with AAC experience. If your child is under 3, contact your state's early intervention program (find it through the IDEA website). If your child is school-age, submit a written request to your school district for an assistive technology evaluation as part of the special education process. Private SLPs with AAC specialty are also an option, especially if waits for public programs are long.

Is eye gaze technology covered by insurance for children who can't use their hands?

Yes. Eye-gaze SGDs are among the devices covered under Medicaid's durable medical equipment benefit (HCPCS E2500 series) when there is documentation that the child cannot use direct selection (touching the screen) and eye gaze is the appropriate access method. Private insurance coverage varies. These systems cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more without funding, so the insurance process is essential. Manufacturer funding specialists handle this routinely.

What is aided language stimulation and does it work?

Aided language stimulation (ALS) means communication partners model on the AAC device during natural interactions, pointing to or activating symbols as they speak. Research supports it as the most effective way to teach device use. The principle is the same as how children learn spoken language: through exposure and modeling in context, not through drills. Families can learn ALS techniques through their SLP and use them at home.

Can a child use two different AAC systems at the same time?

Yes, and it's common. Many children use a combination of a high-tech device, low-tech boards for specific environments (bath time, playground), and natural gestures or vocalizations. The key is keeping core vocabulary consistent across systems so the child builds reliable motor patterns. Inconsistent vocabulary across environments slows learning. Your SLP should coordinate across home, school, and therapy settings to align vocabulary.

What happens to the AAC device when a child outgrows it or their needs change?

Most manufacturers offer software updates and upgrades. If a child's needs change significantly, insurers can sometimes fund a replacement after a set period (often 3 to 5 years for Medicaid). Some state AT programs accept donated devices for reutilization. A device that no longer fits a child's needs shouldn't sit in a closet. Donated SGDs can be refurbished and given to families who can't access funding.

My child's school wants to use a different device than what our private SLP recommended. What can I do?

Request that both recommendations be discussed at the IEP meeting with documentation from each evaluator. The legal standard is the device appropriate for the child's individual needs, not the least expensive option. If the school proposes a less capable device without adequate justification, you can disagree and request mediation or a due process hearing under IDEA. A parent advocate or special education attorney can help you work through this.

Sources

1. ASHA, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) overview: ASHA defines AAC as all forms of communication other than oral speech used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas; feature-matching assessment process
2. ASHA, Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Childhood apraxia of speech is a motor-planning disorder affecting the ability to coordinate movements for spoken words
3. ASHA, AAC Evidence Maps: Estimated 1.3% to 2.2% of the population has a complex communication need severe enough to benefit from AAC
4. American Academy of Pediatrics, Identification and Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pediatrics, 2007): 25% to 30% of autistic children remain minimally verbal through childhood; AAC is a recognized component of autism communication intervention
5. Millar, Light & Schlosser (2006), American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 'The impact of AAC on natural speech development': In 89% of cases reviewed, AAC introduction was associated with no change or an increase in natural speech production; aided language stimulation supports device learning
6. RESNA, Funding AAC Devices: A Resource Guide for Consumers: Dedicated SGD prices range from approximately $3,000 to $9,000 self-pay; AAC apps on tablets cost $250 to $500; eye-gaze systems can exceed $10,000
7. CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), Speech Generating Devices as Durable Medical Equipment, HCPCS E2500 series: Medicaid covers dedicated SGDs as durable medical equipment under HCPCS code E2500 series when prescribed and documented by SLP and physician
8. U.S. Department of Education, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Part B, Assistive Technology: IDEA requires assistive technology devices and services at no cost to families when the IEP team determines they are necessary for FAPE; home use required if IEP specifies it
9. Kasari et al. (2014), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 'Communication interventions for minimally verbal children with autism': High-tech SGD use associated with gains in spontaneous speech utterances; AAC appropriate for minimally verbal autistic children
10. Assistive Technology Act of 2004, Public Law 108-364: States required to maintain AT programs with device lending and reutilization; families and schools may borrow devices during evaluation periods
11. ASHA, No Minimum Age or Cognitive Requirement for AAC: ASHA states there is no minimum cognitive or age requirement for AAC introduction