My son uses an AAC device and he enjoys it. My son loves electronic devices too but is not dependent on his device. He knows that it is for communication. People and kids ask him about it all the time and he likes to show them how it works and he even talks to them without the device. He told me that it makes him comfortable to have it with him all the time even if he doesn't need it and that reduces his anxiety. There are several other kids in his ABA and our support group that use devices and prefer them over other methods.

The tech on ours is very reliable. We have the Tobi Dynavox I-110. It is extremely durable and came with a warranty. It was very expensive but it can literally be dropped and thrown and won't break. So far we have not had a single issue with it.

We started with PECs, never tried the AAC devise. PECs was used for a short time till she was able to understand “just words” and we never had trouble having her to talk as she loves to talk. Even if speech was inappropriate we did not discourage it- talking was imporant. Echolia and repetation was not discouraged either. Whatever he likes, do that.

Thank you for all the input! @A MyAutismTeam Member I dont know what stage, that is a great question. We are not using full sentence strips yet but his ST is introducing them in her sessions.

I am also wondering how reliable the tech is—does the device if taken care of properly last several years?

I had to wear a heart monitor a few years ago and the decice was a little buggy. Curious if these devices come with their own issues that we should be mindful of.