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

Last updated 2026-07-09

What are assistive communication devices for autism?

Assistive communication devices are tools that help a person express wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings when speech alone is not enough. For autistic children and adults, they fall under the broader category of augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines AAC as "all forms of communication, other than oral speech, used to express thoughts, needs, wants, and ideas," covering everything from gestures and symbol boards to sophisticated tablet apps and dedicated hardware that generates synthesized speech ^[1].

The range is genuinely wide. On one end you have a laminated strip of pictures a parent prints at home for free. On the other end you have a hard-shelled device like a Tobii Dynavox that uses eye-gaze technology and costs more than a used car. Most families end up somewhere in the middle, combining a few different tools depending on the setting.

One thing is worth naming upfront: AAC is not a last resort for children who have failed at speech therapy. It is a communication support that can and often should run alongside speech therapy from early intervention onward. The evidence consistently shows that AAC does not delay or reduce natural speech development and, in many studies, is associated with speech gains ^[2]. If a professional has told you otherwise, that advice is not supported by current research.

This guide covers the main device categories, what real costs look like, how funding works, and how to match the right tool to your child right now. It is not a substitute for a formal AAC evaluation from a licensed speech-language pathologist, but it will make sure you walk into that evaluation knowing what to ask.

What are the main types of AAC devices available?

AAC devices fall into two broad families: unaided systems (no external tool required, like sign language or body language) and aided systems (something external). This article focuses on aided systems because those are the devices parents are usually searching for.

Low-tech aided AAC

Low-tech means no battery, no screen, no app. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is the best-known example. A child hands a picture card to a communication partner to request an item or action. PECS was developed in the late 1980s by Bondy and Frost and has a substantial evidence base for autistic children, particularly for early requesting skills ^[3]. Core vocabulary boards, communication books, and alphabet or letter boards also fall here.

Cost: essentially zero to $50, depending on whether you print materials at home or buy a pre-made kit.

Mid-tech aided AAC

Mid-tech devices have some technology but are simpler than a full SGD. Think a Big Mack button (a single recordable switch) or a GoTalk device with eight to 32 recorded messages. These are durable, easy for young children to operate, and useful for very early communicators or as a bridge while waiting for a more capable device.

Cost: roughly $20 (single switches) to $300 (multi-message devices).

High-tech aided AAC: dedicated SGDs

Speech-generating devices are purpose-built hardware running full-featured AAC vocabulary software. Brands like Tobii Dynavox, PRC-Saltillo, and Lingraphica dominate this category. They typically run vocabulary systems like LAMP Words for Life, Snap Core First, TouchChat, or Proloquo2Go. Because they are medical devices, dedicated SGDs can be billed to Medicaid and private insurance.

Cost: $4,000 to $10,000+ for a dedicated device ^[4].

High-tech aided AAC: app-based AAC on consumer tablets

Apps like Proloquo2Go (AAC by AssistiveWare, ~$250 on iPad), TouchChat HD, Snap Core First, and LetMeTalk (free, Android) run on standard iPads or Android tablets. The app cost is far lower than a dedicated SGD, and many families start here. The trade-off is that a consumer tablet is not medically categorized as a DME (durable medical equipment), so it is harder to bill to insurance, though some pathways exist.

Cost: $0 to $300 for the app, plus the cost of the tablet if you don't already own one.

Does AAC actually help autistic children communicate, or is the evidence thin?

The evidence base for AAC in autism is not thin. It is one of the more solid areas in the broader field of autism intervention.

A 2012 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology reviewing 24 single-case studies found that AAC interventions produced functional communication gains for autistic individuals across a wide age range ^[2]. A 2015 study by Ganz et al. in the same journal looked specifically at SGD interventions and found moderate to large effect sizes for requesting and labeling skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with autism who have limited speech be referred for AAC evaluation as part of their overall communication plan ^[5].

The most common parent fear, that starting AAC will cause a child to stop trying to speak, has been directly studied. Millar, Light, and Schlosser conducted a systematic review in 2006 and concluded that AAC does not inhibit speech development and that the majority of children in reviewed studies showed some increase in natural speech production after AAC introduction ^[6]. That finding has held up in more recent work.

Nobody has perfect data on exactly which device type works best for which child profile. What the research does show is that early access to any capable AAC system beats waiting. The closest thing to a consensus recommendation from ASHA is that AAC should be introduced as soon as a child demonstrates communication need, without setting a prerequisite cognitive or language level ^[1].

One honest caveat: most of the high-quality studies use single-case experimental designs rather than large randomized controlled trials, which is a genuine limitation of the field. But the direction of evidence is consistent enough that waiting for a child to "try harder" to speak before offering AAC is not supported.

How do I know which device is right for my child?

The right device depends on your child's motor skills, vision, cognitive level, and communication goals today, not on a hypothetical future version of your child. That last part matters because families sometimes hold off on a full-featured system thinking their child will "outgrow" the need. In practice, starting with a system that grows with the child tends to produce better outcomes than starting small and upgrading.

A formal AAC evaluation from a licensed SLP, ideally one with AAC specialization, is the right starting point. During that evaluation, the clinician will assess access method (direct touch, eye gaze, switch scanning), vocabulary representation (core words vs. category-based), and the child's ability to move through pages. They can trial multiple devices in session before recommending one.

Here are the practical signals that point toward different tiers:

• Low-tech first makes sense when a child is brand new to AAC, when you need something immediate while waiting for an evaluation, or when a child needs a backup system for the pool, the beach, or anywhere a screen doesn't belong.

• AAC apps on a tablet are a reasonable starting point for children who already use touchscreens and whose families can't wait months for a dedicated device through insurance. The app vocabulary often transfers to a dedicated SGD later, so the learning is not wasted.

• Dedicated SGDs are appropriate when a child needs AAC as their primary communication channel long-term, when eye gaze or switch access is needed, or when the device has to survive drops and throws from a child who is hard on equipment.

• Eye-gaze systems specifically are for children who have reliable, intentional eye movement but limited fine motor access. The evaluation for these is more involved.

Your child's school SLP is a resource here too, especially if your child has an IEP. Under IDEA, schools must consider assistive technology in IEP planning if it is necessary for a child to receive a free appropriate public education ^[7]. That does not automatically mean the school will fund a home device, but it does mean AT consideration is a legal obligation, not a favor.

For a broader look at the therapy context around these decisions, autism spectrum speech therapy covers the full picture of what SLPs do with autistic children and how AAC fits in.

How much do assistive communication devices cost, and who pays?

Cost is where most families get stuck. Here is the honest breakdown.

Medicaid

Dedicated SGDs are classified as durable medical equipment under Medicaid in all 50 states. A licensed SLP must conduct an evaluation and write a letter of medical necessity documenting that the device is the least costly option that meets the child's clinical needs. The Medicaid SGD coverage rules are set at the federal level but administered by states, so timelines and specific requirements vary. Most states cover the device cost fully once documentation is approved. The AAC Institute and ASHA both maintain guidance on this process ^[1][4].

Private insurance

Coverage varies significantly by plan and state. About 30 states have autism insurance mandate laws requiring some coverage of autism-related therapies and devices, though the scope of those mandates differs ^[8]. A prior authorization request with a strong letter of medical necessity from an SLP is almost always required. Expect the process to take 60 to 120 days. Denials happen; appeals succeed more often than parents expect, especially when an SLP writes the appeal letter.

IDEA and the school IEP

If a child's IEP team determines that an AAC device is necessary for FAPE (free appropriate public education), the school district must provide it at no cost to the family under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ^[7]. The device provided by the school, however, belongs to the school. Families who want a home device typically need a separate funding pathway.

Loans, grants, and other programs

The ABLE Act allows families to open tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses including assistive technology ^[9]. Assistive technology lending libraries exist in every state through the AT3 Center network, allowing families to try devices before buying and sometimes borrow while waiting for funding ^[11]. State AT programs and nonprofit grants (organizations like United Cerebral Palsy, Easter Seals, or device-specific manufacturer programs) are also real options.

App-based AAC on your own tablet

If you already own an iPad or Android tablet, starting with a paid AAC app in the $100 to $300 range is genuinely reasonable while you work through insurance. The vocabulary systems in Proloquo2Go and TouchChat are the same systems used in some dedicated SGDs, so a child who learns one vocabulary layout can carry that knowledge forward.

The short version: if your child qualifies for Medicaid, a dedicated SGD should cost you nothing out of pocket. If you're on private insurance in a state with a strong autism mandate, costs are often covered after a fight. If neither applies, apps on an existing device are the most accessible starting point.

Can autistic children who use some speech still benefit from AAC?

Yes, and this misconception keeps too many kids from getting tools they need.

AAC is not only for nonspeaking children. Autistic children who have some speech but whose speech is unreliable, hard to understand, or breaks down under stress, fatigue, or sensory overload are strong candidates for AAC. The concept is called "multimodal communication," and ASHA explicitly supports it: no child needs to give up speech to use AAC ^[1].

Minimally verbal children, loosely defined as those with fewer than 30 functional spoken words at age 5 in research literature, make up roughly 25 to 30 percent of the autistic population according to estimates in the literature, though precise prevalence figures are hard to pin down because study definitions vary ^[10]. For this group, early and capable AAC access is probably the single highest-impact communication intervention available.

Even for children who are largely verbal, AAC tools can support communication when speech is hard. A teenager who can usually speak clearly but becomes nonverbal during meltdowns might use a simple text-to-speech app in those moments. An adult autistic person might use an alphabet board in medical settings to make sure symptoms come across accurately. The tool is context-specific.

For children whose speech includes a lot of echolalia, understanding what that means for communication is worth a separate read. Echolalia meaning explains the functional role echolalia plays and how it intersects with AAC use.

Similarly, children with apraxia of speech often overlap with autistic profiles. AAC is a well-supported tool for that population too, covered in detail at childhood apraxia of speech.

What vocabulary systems do AAC devices use, and does it matter which one?

The vocabulary system matters a lot more than most parents realize, and it matters more than the specific hardware.

There are two main vocabulary design philosophies:

Core vocabulary systems put high-frequency, versatile words (go, want, more, stop, like, help, feel) at the center and use grammatical structure to build meaning. The idea is that a small set of core words handles the majority of human communication, with less frequent words available in category-based folders. LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) Words for Life and Proloquo2Go's core-based layout follow this philosophy. These systems pair well with motor planning approaches, meaning the child learns consistent motor sequences to reach words, which can reduce cognitive load over time.

Vocabulary by category or need organizes words into topics (food, feelings, activities). Older AAC systems often worked this way, and it is intuitive for adults to set up. The limitation is that it is harder to generate novel sentences and does not scale as well as the child's language grows.

For autistic children who are early language learners, the research leans toward core vocabulary approaches because they teach generative language rather than scripted requests. The PRC-Saltillo Word Power and LAMP systems, Tobii Dynavox's Snap Core First, and AssistiveWare's Proloquo2Go all have strong core vocabulary implementations.

The practical implication: if two devices are otherwise equivalent, choose the one running the vocabulary system your child's SLP can actually train you on. Parental implementation quality predicts outcomes more than the specific app or device. A sophisticated system that nobody in the child's life knows how to model is less useful than a simpler one that gets used consistently every day.

Modeling, sometimes called aided language stimulation, is the practice of an adult pointing to or activating the AAC device to communicate alongside the child, more than prompting the child to use it. It is free, requires no additional equipment, and is one of the highest-impact things a parent can do.

How does early intervention factor into AAC decisions?

Early intervention is the federally funded program for children under 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities, authorized under Part C of IDEA ^[7]. An AAC evaluation can and should happen within early intervention if a child under three shows communication delays. Waiting until school age is a missed window.

For children ages three to five in preschool special education programs (Part B of IDEA), IEP teams must consider assistive technology needs. The research on early AAC introduction is consistent: earlier access to a functional communication system is associated with better long-term communication outcomes, reduced challenging behavior (because the child has a way to communicate), and better social participation ^[2].

For more on what early intervention covers and how to access it, early intervention walks through the referral and evaluation process in detail.

One practical note: early intervention evaluations are free and available to any family who asks, regardless of diagnosis. If your child is under three and you have concerns about communication, you can self-refer. You do not need a pediatrician's referral, though a referral can speed the process. Call your state's early intervention program directly.

The AAP recommends developmental surveillance at every well-child visit and developmental screening at 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months, with autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months ^[5]. If screening flags a concern, the next step is evaluation, not watching and waiting.

What should I look for in an SLP who specializes in AAC?

Not every speech-language pathologist has deep AAC training. SLPs are generalists by education, and AAC is a specialization within the field. Asking about background upfront is completely reasonable.

Look for an SLP who:

• Has completed AAC-specific training beyond their graduate program. The ASHA Special Interest Group 12 (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is the professional home for SLPs who focus here.
• Can trial multiple device systems during an evaluation rather than defaulting to one product.
• Is willing to train parents and teachers in aided language stimulation, more than program the device and send it home.
• Has experience with autistic clients specifically, because autistic communication profiles differ from those of children with other diagnoses who use AAC.

Ask potential providers: "What vocabulary systems do you typically recommend for autistic children, and why?" and "How do you involve parents in the AAC implementation process?" Their answers will tell you a lot.

If access to an in-person AAC specialist is limited where you live, online speech therapy has grown a great deal and includes SLPs with AAC specialization who work via telehealth. Telehealth AAC services have shown efficacy in peer-reviewed research for both evaluation and parent coaching components.

For a broader overview of what to expect from the SLP relationship, speech therapy speech therapist covers how to find, evaluate, and work with a therapist effectively.

Are there free or low-cost AAC apps worth using?

Yes, and a few are genuinely good.

LetMeTalk is a free, open-source AAC app for Android that uses the ARASAAC symbol library. It is a legitimate AAC tool, not a toy, and it is used by SLPs in countries where expensive licensed apps are out of reach. The vocabulary setup takes effort, but the underlying system is sound.

Cboard is a free, web-based AAC tool that runs on any device with a browser. It is also ARASAAC-based and was developed with support from the Inter-American Development Bank.

CommunicoTool Lite and several other apps offer free tiers with limited vocabulary that families can try before committing to a purchase.

Snap Core First and Proloquo2Go both offer free trials. Proloquo2Go specifically has a 30-day free trial period, which is enough time to assess whether a child takes to it.

Free apps are worth using in two situations: as an immediate bridge while you work through insurance for a dedicated device, or as a permanent solution if they meet the child's current communication needs. The honest limitation of most free apps is that vocabulary depth is lower and ongoing software development is less guaranteed than with commercial products. For a child who needs AAC as their primary communication system long-term, a stronger commercial option is worth pursuing through funding pathways.

If you want an AI-supported practice tool to go alongside whatever AAC system your child uses, Little Words offers a quiz at /start to match families with speech practice activities. It is not a replacement for an SLP-guided AAC system but can add practice repetition outside of therapy hours.

How do schools handle AAC devices under IDEA?

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the IEP team for any student with a disability must consider whether the student needs assistive technology devices and services to receive a free appropriate public education ^[7]. That consideration is mandatory, not optional.

If the team determines an AAC device is necessary, the school must provide it at no cost to the family. The device provided through school funding belongs to the school district, not the family. If the team determines the child needs the device at home for educational purposes, IDEA requires that the school make it available there too, though schools push back on this more often than they should.

IEP language matters here. Vague language like "student will have access to AAC" is weaker than specific language naming the device, the vocabulary system, the training the school will provide to staff and family, and the data collection method for goals. Parents who want to push for stronger IEP language on AAC should look at guidance from Wrightslaw and the PACER Center, which provide free plain-language resources on AT and IEPs.

One realistic tension: school-provided devices sometimes have restricted vocabulary or are programmed differently than what a family is using at home. Consistency across environments is a genuine clinical priority. When the device at school uses different vocabulary than the device at home, the child is essentially learning two different languages. Raising this at the IEP meeting and requesting consistency in vocabulary system is a legitimate and important ask.

For adults with autism who are aging out of school services, speech therapy for adults covers what AAC access and funding looks like after the school years.

What else should parents know before getting started with AAC?

A few things that don't always come up in the formal AAC evaluation process:

AAC takes months to learn. The device does not immediately produce fluent communication. Research by Romski and Sevcik suggests it takes consistent exposure over many months before most children become efficient communicators with AAC ^[6]. Expecting results in two weeks is a setup for abandonment. Stick with it.

You are a critical part of the implementation. The most important factor in AAC outcomes is not the device. It is how often the child's communication partners (parents, siblings, teachers, aides) model using the device themselves. An SLP can set up the best vocabulary system in the world, but if nobody models its use at home, progress will be slow.

Device abandonment is common and preventable. Studies estimate that 30 percent or more of AAC devices are abandoned within a few years of acquisition ^[4]. The main reasons are poor vocabulary fit, lack of training for communication partners, and the device being treated as a "last resort" rather than a primary communication tool from day one. Getting training, more than the device, is worth fighting for in the funding process.

Low-tech backups matter. Every high-tech AAC user should also have a low-tech backup, whether a printed core board or a communication book, for when the battery dies, the device breaks, or screen use is not appropriate. This is not a failure of the high-tech system. It is good planning.

For context on how AAC fits into the broader landscape of autism and communication, the team at Little Words has built a set of resources for families making these decisions. The /start quiz takes about three minutes and points parents toward the most relevant tools and articles for their child's specific profile.

The larger goal of AAC is not to replace speech. It is to give every person a reliable, efficient way to communicate right now, while also supporting the development of whatever natural communication emerges. Those two things are not in tension. They are the same project.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can an autistic child start using an AAC device?

There is no minimum age. Children as young as 12 to 18 months have been introduced to low-tech AAC systems in early intervention. The research consensus is that there is no developmental prerequisite for AAC introduction. If a child has communication needs that speech is not meeting, AAC can start. Earlier introduction is associated with better communication outcomes, not worse ones.

Will using an AAC device stop my child from learning to talk?

No. This is the single most common and most thoroughly studied concern in AAC research. A 2006 systematic review by Millar, Light, and Schlosser found that AAC introduction does not inhibit speech development and that the majority of children in reviewed studies showed increases in natural speech after AAC was introduced. Current ASHA guidance explicitly states that AAC does not replace speech but supports it.

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

A dedicated SGD is purpose-built medical hardware, hard-shelled, and billable to Medicaid and some insurance as durable medical equipment. An AAC app runs on a consumer tablet like an iPad and costs far less but is typically not billable to insurance. Many families start with an app and later obtain a dedicated device through funding. The vocabulary system, not the hardware, is the most important factor.

Does Medicaid cover AAC devices for autistic children?

Yes. Dedicated SGDs are classified as durable medical equipment under Medicaid in all 50 states. A licensed SLP must document medical necessity. Coverage applies to children enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The process requires an evaluation, a letter of medical necessity, and prior authorization, but the device cost is typically covered fully once approved.

What is the most commonly used AAC app for autistic children?

Proloquo2Go by AssistiveWare is among the most widely used AAC apps for autistic children in the United States. It runs on iPad, uses a core vocabulary layout, and costs approximately $250. TouchChat HD and Snap Core First are also widely used. The best app is the one an experienced SLP recommends for a specific child's profile and can train the family to implement.

Can an autistic child who speaks some words still use AAC?

Yes. AAC is not only for nonspeaking children. Autistic children whose speech is inconsistent, unclear, or breaks down under stress are strong candidates. The goal is reliable communication across environments, and many autistic individuals use AAC to supplement speech in situations where speech is harder. No child must give up speech to use AAC; multimodal communication is the norm, not the exception.

How do I get the school district to provide an AAC device through my child's IEP?

Request an assistive technology evaluation in writing. Under IDEA, the IEP team must consider whether a student needs assistive technology to receive a free appropriate public education. If the evaluation determines AAC is necessary, the school must provide it at no cost. Get specific language in the IEP naming the device, vocabulary system, and staff training requirements. Vague IEP language is harder to enforce.

What is aided language stimulation and why does it matter for AAC?

Aided language stimulation, also called AAC modeling, means communication partners (parents, teachers, aides) use the AAC device themselves to communicate alongside the child, more than prompt the child to use it. It is the most evidence-supported way to help a child learn to use AAC. It is free, requires no special training beyond an SLP's initial coaching, and is consistently associated with faster AAC skill acquisition.

What is LAMP and is it better than other AAC approaches?

LAMP stands for Language Acquisition through Motor Planning. It is a vocabulary and teaching approach that pairs consistent motor patterns with words so the physical act of reaching a word becomes automatic over time. It was developed for children with autism and motor learning challenges. Research on LAMP is promising but smaller in scale than research on AAC broadly. Many SLPs recommend it for autistic children, particularly those who also have apraxia features.

Are there grants to help pay for an AAC device if insurance won't cover it?

Yes. State assistive technology programs (through the AT3 Center network) offer loans and some grants. ABLE Act savings accounts allow tax-free saving for AT purchases. Nonprofit organizations including United Cerebral Palsy, Easter Seals, and the AAC Institute maintain funding resource lists. Some device manufacturers have loaner or reduced-cost programs. Your SLP or a hospital AT team can often help identify local funding sources.

How long does it take to get a dedicated SGD through insurance?

Expect 60 to 120 days from evaluation to device delivery when working through Medicaid or private insurance. The process includes the SLP evaluation, writing a letter of medical necessity, insurance prior authorization review, and possible appeals if denied. Starting with an AAC app on an existing tablet in the meantime is a practical bridge that also lets a child begin learning vocabulary layout before the dedicated device arrives.

What is the PECS method and is it still recommended?

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) is a low-tech AAC approach where a child hands picture cards to request items or actions. It has a strong evidence base for building early requesting skills in autistic children. Current thinking in the field is that PECS is a valuable starting point, particularly for early communicators, but that most children benefit from transitioning to a more generative core vocabulary system as their communication grows.

Can eye-gaze devices work for young autistic children?

Eye-gaze technology can work for young autistic children, but it requires reliable, intentional eye movement and a calm enough regulatory state to use the camera consistently. Evaluations for eye-gaze devices are more involved than for touch-based AAC. They are most clearly indicated when a child has limited reliable motor access to touch a screen. Many eye-gaze systems are also very expensive, typically $15,000 to $20,000, making funding documentation especially important.

What happens to AAC services when a child turns 21 and ages out of school services?

When a student ages out of IDEA-funded school services, AAC funding shifts to Medicaid waiver programs, vocational rehabilitation, and state developmental disability agencies. The transition is often rocky because adult systems are underfunded and waitlists are long. Starting the transition planning process by age 16 within the IEP, as IDEA requires, and identifying adult Medicaid waiver eligibility before graduation gives families the best chance of continuity.

Sources

1. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Augmentative and Alternative Communication: ASHA defines AAC as all forms of communication other than oral speech and states no prerequisite cognitive or language level is required for AAC introduction
2. Ganz JB et al., American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 2012, meta-analysis of AAC in autism: A 2012 meta-analysis found AAC interventions produced functional communication gains for autistic individuals and that AAC does not inhibit speech development
3. Bondy A & Frost L, Pyramid Educational Consultants, PECS research overview: PECS has a substantial evidence base for building early requesting skills in autistic children
4. AAC Institute, funding and device resources: Dedicated SGDs typically cost $4,000 to $10,000+ and studies estimate 30 percent or more are abandoned; AAC Institute maintains funding guidance
5. American Academy of Pediatrics, autism spectrum disorder policy and screening guidance: AAP recommends autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months and referral for AAC evaluation for children with autism who have limited speech
6. Millar DC, Light JC, Schlosser RW, Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research, 2006: Systematic review concluded AAC does not inhibit speech and majority of children showed speech increases after AAC introduction; Romski and Sevcik research on AAC learning timelines
7. U.S. Department of Education, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Under IDEA, IEP teams must consider assistive technology needs; Part C covers early intervention for children under 36 months; schools must provide AT at no cost when deemed necessary for FAPE
8. Autism Speaks, state autism insurance laws resource: Approximately 30 states have autism insurance mandate laws requiring some coverage of autism-related therapies and devices
9. U.S. Department of Treasury, ABLE Act and ABLE accounts: The ABLE Act allows tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses including assistive technology
10. Tager-Flusberg H & Kasari C, JAMA Pediatrics, minimally verbal children with autism prevalence: Minimally verbal autistic children (fewer than 30 functional words at age 5) estimated at roughly 25 to 30 percent of the autistic population in research literature, though study definitions vary
11. AT3 Center, national assistive technology act programs network: Assistive technology lending libraries exist in every state through the AT3 Center network for device trials and loans