Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) gives children a powerful way to express themselves when speech is difficult or unreliable. Whether AAC is used temporarily or long-term, success depends on more than the device or system itself. It depends on the people who use it with the communicator every day.
As a speech-language pathologist, I often hear parents and partners say, “I’m afraid I’ll do it wrong,” or “I don’t want to pressure them,” or “I am so overwhelmed and I don’t know where to start.” The good news? You don’t need to be perfect. Small, consistent actions make a big difference. Below are practical, research-supported AAC tips to help you feel confident supporting communication at home, school, and in the community for your AAC user.
- Presume Competence
Presuming competence starts with the belief that a person understands more than they may be able to show and has meaningful thoughts, ideas and intentions, even when their communication looks different. In AAC and speech-language pathology, presuming competence is a core mindset, not a technique.
- Model AAC Without Pressure
One of the most important strategies is modeling with expectation. This means you use the AAC system yourself while speaking without requiring the AAC user to respond the same way. For example, you may say “Let’s eat” while touching “eat” on the AAC device. We are not prompting or quizzing or saying, “say it on your talker”.
This teaches where the words are, how communication works and that AAC is for real communication and not just testing.
- Talk less, Pause More
AAC users often need extra time to process language, plan movements, and find words. Fast talking and rapid questions can unintentionally shut communication down. Helpful strategies include pausing after asking questions, counting silently to 5-10 before repeating yourself, and watching their body language and eye gaze for communication attempts. Silence is not failure; it’s often thinking time for the child!
- Honor All Forms of Communication
AAC is multimodal. Speech, gestures, facial expressions, signs, and AAC all count as communication. These are all tools in the child’s toolbox to aid in their communication. If the child points or vocalizes or looks at an item and you understand, respond meaningfully. Responding doesn’t mean giving up on AAC. It means you value communication first.
- Build AAC Into Daily Routines
AAC works best when it’s part of real life, not a separate “activity.”
Great times to model AAC: include meals and snacks, getting dressed, bath time, playing games, reading books, running errands. Repetition within routines builds understanding and confidence.
- Don’t Hide the Device
AAC should be available all day, not locked away or used only at therapy time. If a device is put away, communication is limited. Tips for making sure the device is ready and available include bringing the device to the table, keeping it charged and ready, use straps or mounts, and respecting the AAC device like you would glasses or a wheelchair.
- Celebrating Communication, Not Perfection
Learning AAC is a journey. Celebrate any attempts, partial messages, babbling or exploring of the device, and new ways of expressing ideas. Avoid correcting or demanding exact responses. Communication grows best in a safe, supportive environment.
- Be Patient with Yourself
You are learning too! I often tell my client families in the beginning of their AAC journeys that AAC is a marathon not a sprint. You will forget to model. You will talk too fast. You will have days when AAC feels hard. That is ok! Progress happens through connection, consistency, and compassion. Not perfection!
At the end of the day…
AAC gives people a voice, but communication partners bring that voice to life.
By modeling language, honoring all communication, and creating opportunities throughout the day, you are doing powerful, meaningful work.
If you ever wonder whether what you’re doing matters: It does. Every word you model, every pause you give, and every attempt you honor builds communication.
