Hey friend! I get how much of a struggle using any sort of aids, be it for any sort of disability, can be. The thing to keep in mind is that your own needs come first, so regardless of what other people feel, if it is a tool that can help you, that is what matters! As for becoming dependent on it, sometimes you need to have things you depend on. If it helps you communicate, of course you'll use it a lot, but as long as you take advantage of the moments you are comfortable and are able to be verbal, then that's all that matters! Hope this helps a lil :)