Who AAC can help

• Children who are not yet talking, or have very few words

• Children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other conditions that affect speech

• Children with childhood apraxia of speech who need a way to communicate while speech develops

• Children whose speech is hard for others to understand

• Children who get frustrated or have meltdowns when they can't get their message across

Will AAC stop my child from talking?

No. This is the most common worry we hear, and research consistently shows that AAC does not prevent speech. For many children, it actually supports speech growth, because it reduces pressure and frustration and shows them how powerful communication can be.

Our AAC evaluation

A good AAC evaluation looks at the whole child, not just a device. We talk with you about your child's communication, abilities, daily routines, and goals. We look at how your child understands language, how they use their hands and eyes, and what motivates them. Then we try different AAC options, from low tech boards to high tech speech-generating devices, to find what fits.

Afterward, we'll explain our recommendations, and if a speech-generating device is the right fit, we'll handle the report and documentation needed to request funding through your insurance. [Confirm whether you complete device funding reports and trials]

AAC therapy and parent training

A device is only the beginning. Children learn to use AAC the same way they learn to talk: by seeing the people around them use it. In therapy, we:

• Model language on your child's system during play and routines

• Build vocabulary and help your child combine words into longer messages

• Use both high tech AAC and low tech tools, like visual boards, activity-specific language displays, sign, and gestures

• Help your child use AAC at home, at preschool or school, and in the community

SMORRES-certified parent training. Jocelyn Wells, MS, CCC-SLP, is certified in SMORRES parent training for AAC. This structured approach coaches parents and caregivers in practical, everyday strategies for modeling and supporting AAC, so your child gets communication practice all day long, not just during therapy.

Why families choose Wells for AAC

• SMORRES-certified parent training for AAC families

• AAC woven into apraxia, language, and early communication therapy, not treated as separate

• Therapy in our Las Vegas and Pahrump clinics, in your home, or at preschool, where your child communicates every day

• Little Voices classes that welcome every way children communicate, including AAC

• Help with insurance and clear progress reports along the way

AAC FAQ

1. Is my child too young for AAC? No. There are no prerequisites for AAC, and children of any age can benefit. Starting early gives your child more time to learn.

2. Does insurance cover AAC devices? Many insurance plans, including Medicaid, can cover speech-generating devices when they're medically necessary. We'll guide you through the process.

3. Do I need a referral? Yes. All of the insurance plans we accept require a physician referral before therapy begins. Ask your child's pediatrician, and we're happy to help with what's needed.

4. What insurance do you accept? Nevada Medicaid, Molina, CareSource, HPN Medicaid, Sierra Health and Life, UMR, and Aetna.

5. My child already has a device. Can you help? Yes. We work with children who already use AAC to build their skills and help your family use the device more confidently.

Get started

If you're wondering whether AAC could help your child, we'd love to talk. Call 702.381.3636 or request an appointment.

Las Vegas Clinic

5980 S. Durango Dr. #131, Las Vegas, NV 89113

Pahrump Clinic

2200 Nevada West Blvd. #3, Pahrump, NV 89048

Phone: 702.381.3636 · Fax: 702.442.0973