Children with medical conditions that result in having limited or no ability to speak or express themselves can benefit greatly using assisted technology. This includes devices that can help with listening, mobility, speech and vision, according to a clinical report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The report, "Prescribing Assistive Technology: Focus on Children With Complex Communication Needs," focuses on the pediatrician's role in prescribing these devices, called augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) systems.
The clinical report, published in July 2025
Pediatrics, discusses the variety of assistive technology devices. Each offers various levels of support depending on the child's needs. They range from screen-readers to listening devices to wheelchairs.
About 10% of children aged 3-17 years had speech or other language disorders, of which a subset likely had needs for AAC, according to the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children's Health.
Some conditions that may result in speech or language disorders include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder or deafness.
Use of assistive technology devices improves academic and social performance while also allowing a child greater chances of independence and employment later in life, according to the report. Yet access remains a key issue, especially those in states with limited Medicaid funding.
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