Back-to-School Jitters: Why Parents of AAC Users Feel Overwhelmed—and What Can Help

The start of the school year brings a familiar mix of excitement and anxiety for most families—but for parents of children who use AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), those “back-to-school jitters” can feel more like an emotional storm.

You’ve packed the backpack, labeled the device charger, and filled out the forms… so why does your chest still feel tight?

Because if your child uses AAC, you’re not just sending them off to learn—you’re sending their voice with them.

Let’s unpack why the beginning of a school year can feel so overwhelming—and how we can better support parents walking this unique path.

 1. “Will anyone understand my child?”

One of the biggest fears parents face is wondering if their child’s new teachers, aides, or classmates will know how to understand, support, and truly listen to them.

Unlike kids who speak verbally, AAC users often rely on a communication device, gestures, or multi-modality approaches. It takes time, training, and intention to become fluent in a child’s AAC system—and parents know that not everyone takes that time.

As a parent, What you are thinking….

• Will the teacher model language on the AAC like we do at home?

• Will the device stay charged and accessible all day?

• Will anyone notice the subtle ways my child tries to connect with or without their talker?
  

 2. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

Parents often feel pressure to become AAC experts overnight. They’re expected to manage device settings, program vocabulary, track progress, coordinate with the school team, and still find time to model at home.

If your child is new to AAC—or if you are—navigating unfamiliar systems and terminology can be exhausting and intimidating. It truly *IS* another language!

Common feelings:

• Guilt: “I feel guilty for not doing enough at home.”

• Uncertainty: “I don’t even know where to start with the new team.”

• Defeat: “I wish someone would just give me a checklist!”
  
  

 3. “Every school year feels like starting over.”

Even if a child made great progress last year, a new teacher or classroom environment can feel like being thrown back to square one. Parents often feel like they’re constantly retraining staff and reintroducing their child’s needs and communication style.

This can be especially hard if:

• The IEP team hasn’t worked with AAC devices and children before

• The school hasn’t received proper AAC training

• There's turnover among aides or support staff
  

Parents often find themselves re-sending info like:

• AAC “About Me” documents

• Device instructions

• Modeling tips and communication goals
  

It’s emotionally taxing to have to advocate again and again, even for basics like “Don’t take the device away during gym class” and “where’s her talker spot?”

4. “I want my child to feel included.”

Beyond academics, parents just want their child to feel seen, heard, and part of the group. You want your child to laugh at recess, raise their hand in class, and build friendships—AAC and all.

But inclusion can be hard to achieve when others don’t understand the communication tools being used.

 What weighs heavily:

• Watching their child be ignored or misunderstood

• Seeing other kids talk easily while theirs is working hard to find a word

• Worrying the teacher will lower expectations instead of finding supports
  
  

 What Can Help?

If you're a parent reading this, know that your feelings are valid, and you're not alone. And if you're a teacher, therapist, or support staff, here are simple but powerful ways to ease this transition for families:

 For educators & school teams:

• Reach out before school starts to ask about AAC

• Review the student’s communication plan early (do you have a communication plan? If you don’t, please please message us!)

• Create space for parents to voice concerns

• Keep devices accessible at all times—not in backpacks

• Use the device with peers to model acceptance and inclusion
  

For parents:

• Create a one-page “AAC Snapshot” to share with the school (I can help you draft one! Just email us {USE HYPERLINK to our email} subject line “AAC Snapshot”)

• Ask your SLP or AAC support team for help prepping vocabulary

• Don’t feel guilty for not doing it all—every little bit helps

• Remember: It’s okay to be learning with your child

  Do you need a “AAC Snapshot” Guide? Email us!

Final Words

Helping your child use AAC is one of the most powerful things you’ll ever do—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. But, you ARE doing a great job!

At the start of a new school year, give yourself GRACE. Advocate when you can. Ask for help when you need it. And trust that your voice, just like your child’s, deserves to be heard.

You are doing better than you think.