By Allison Schmidt -Link therapies

Speech-Language Pathologist

At Link Therapies, we believe every child has something important to say—whether they are speaking verbally or using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). One of the most powerful tools we can use as parents, caregivers, and professionals is the mindset of presuming potential.

What Does Presuming Potential Mean?

Presuming potential means that you believe your child is capable of learning, understanding, and communicating. Even if your child isn’t using spoken language, it doesn’t mean they have nothing to say. Every child deserves access to communication tools that help them express their thoughts, feelings, and needs. AAC systems, including communication devices, visuals, and gestures, are essential supports to help unlock that potential.

Why It Matters

When we believe in a child’s ability, we:

Emphasize growth instead of limitations
Set high—but achievable—expectations
Offer more opportunities for the child to express themselves

When we assume a child can’t, we risk limiting their development, independence, and connection with others.

Tips for Presuming Potential at Home

Here are three powerful ways you can start presuming potential today at home:

1. Talk to Your Child Assuming They Understand

Use rich, meaningful language just as you would with a verbally speaking child. This helps build vocabulary and communication skills, regardless of their current expressive level.

Learn more about our speech therapy services and how we support receptive language development.

2. Celebrate Any and All Communication Attempts

Whether it's a word, a glance, a gesture, or using their AAC system—it all counts! Respond with excitement and acknowledgment to reinforce their efforts.

Visit our AAC support page to learn how we help families implement and celebrate AAC use.

3. Believe in Progress—Even If You Don’t See It Yet

Communication growth takes time. Keep modeling language, talking with your child, and staying consistent. Trust that they are learning and absorbing everything around them.

Explore our parent coaching programs for guidance and encouragement along the way.

Let’s Empower Communication Together

At Link Therapies, we’re passionate about building confident communicators—no matter where they start. If you’re looking for personalized speech therapy or AAC support in the Bay Area, we’re here to help.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward empowered communication.

“Very happy with all of the speech sessions. Our therapist was always willing to answer and explain any questions I had in a way I could easily understand. She worked with me on the goals we focused on and really listened to my concerns. Most importantly my daughter LOVED seeing and “playing” with her each week.”

“We had more than a positive experience, our therapist was flexible, friendly and caring, our son was always happy to see her. Despite the pandemic, she made every effort to meet him either virtually or in person, even when we asked to meet at a local park, she was always ready to create a fun environment for him, innovative in every way to get him engaged. He has made a significant progress in his speech skills. She also made sure to equip us the parents to address his needs and help him to progress. We highly appreciate her help.”

“Our therapist really personalized all of my son's therapy sessions and always created interest and engagement in the work she did with him. They had a great bond! He always looked forward to their sessions!”

“We are deeply grateful for the expertise, compassion, and guidance Laura has provided to our child and family as a whole. She is a bright light in our lives. Thank you so very much for all that you do!”

“Dory Burns was very professional punctual and amazing with my son from barely talking to multiple words I never knew he knew. Thanks for having her on your team to help my son grow into a better version of himself."