Duffin, Speech-Language Services

Duffin, Speech-Language Services

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Let’s talk about a controversial topic: cursing and AAC. 🤬

Before anyone panics, no, I am not advocating that we load up a 5-year-old’s talker with profanities. But as practitioners, parents, and advocates, we need to have a very real conversation about teenagers (and adults!)

Teenagers curse. They use slang. They express frustration, anger, and even excitement in ways that aren’t always “polite.” It’s a completely normal part of adolescent development and peer connection.

Think about it this way: If a speaking teenager curses in the middle of class, do we put tape over their mouth? Absolutely not. There might be a natural consequence or a conversation about “time and place,” but we don’t physically remove their ability to speak.

When we refuse to program age-appropriate language, including swear words or slang, into an AAC device for a teen, we are essentially doing just that. We are restricting their voice.

Giving an AAC user a folder with these words isn’t about encouraging disrespect. It’s about autonomy. It’s about giving them the exact same access to the full spectrum of language that their speaking peers naturally have. They deserve the right to express themselves fully, and the opportunity to learn how and when to use those words, just like anyone else.

Big shoutout to @kaishawna_music for chatting about this with me.

03/07/2026

Huh I’m curious what you all think. Leave a comment below.👇🏼

Let’s talk about a controversial topic: cursing and AAC. 🤬 Before anyone panics, no, I am not advocating that we load up a 5-year-old’s talker with profanities. But as practitioners, parents, and advocates, we need to have a very real conversation about teenagers (and adults!) Teenagers curse. They use slang. They express frustration, anger, and even excitement in ways that aren’t always “polite.” It’s a completely normal part of adolescent development and peer connection. Think about it this way: If a speaking teenager curses in the middle of class, do we put tape over their mouth? Absolutely not. There might be a natural consequence or a conversation about “time and place,” but we don’t physically remove their ability to speak. When we refuse to program age-appropriate language, including swear words or slang, into an AAC device for a teen, we are essentially doing just that. We are restricting their voice. Giving an AAC user a folder with these words isn’t about encouraging disrespect. It’s about autonomy. It’s about giving them the exact same access to the full spectrum of language that their speaking peers naturally have. They deserve the right to express themselves fully, and the opportunity to learn how and when to use those words, just like anyone else. Big shoutout to @kaishawna_music for chatting about this with me.

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Speech Therapists

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