Try At Home: Augmented & Alternative Communication (AAC)

If your child has difficulties with language, you might consider using AAC, which can include visuals (e.g. schedules using pictures), written forms of communication or high-tech devices (e.g. iPads and communication devices).

Visual Schedules / Routines

Visual schedules are a great option to help your child understand what is occurring throughout the day to reduce anxiety and increase routine. This is similar to a classroom timetable for school, but is used at home to maintain routine and structure for individuals who thrive on this.

We often use visuals or icons in place of words to reduce language / mental load and is much easier to understand for younger children, or children who struggle with language.

Similarly, a child who is learning the routine to self-care or home activities could benefit from having a visual to learn the steps. Below is an example of a visual routine for brushing teeth and can be a great way to teach and encourage a child to partake in the activity.

Credit: from Pinterest	Credit: from Etsy	Credit: from Craftly

Visual Placemats / Choice-boards

For children with limited language or verbal words, using visual placemats or choice board around the house provides access to words or images for the child to request for their needs. For example, you might have a board with typical food or snack options so your child can easily request for certain foods.

Credit: from TPT	Credit: from Scope

High-Tech AAC Options

There are a multitude of high-tech AAC options out there. These include:

• Accessibility settings on phones and devices to aid with visual impairment, hearing impairment, AssistiveTouch, speech-to-text access, using switches or modified mouse and keyboards, etc.

• Communication apps (on iPad) or dedicated communication devices

• Eye-gaze technology (i.e. using your eye-gaze to access communication apps or environmental control)

There is ongoing development and other options to consider as well. The process of obtaining such devices can be confronting and often requires the assistance of a speech pathologist. If you are considering this option for communication, it is highly recommended that you receive consultation for accessing these devices and intervention to implement these into your everyday setting.

Modelling and Using AAC

For those who already have access to AAC options, it is important that communication partners (e.g. parents of the child, support workers, school) model the use of these devices.

An individual is unlikely to use the visual or technology if they do not know how to use it. It is also important to show them that those around them can also use these to communicate.

Some resources of how you can implement and modelling AAC are linked below:

• Modelling: Use AAC to teach AAC

• Do’s and Don’ts of AAC​

• Resources for Liberator Devices

• Aided Language Modelling in Everyday Activities

• Modelling AAC (Video)

• Modelling Without Expectation (Video)

• Modelling AAC at Home: A Beginner's Guide for Parents (Video)

Not sure about AAC? Here are some fun videos to introduce you to AAC:

• Unboxing the TD Pilot, AAC device for iPad (Video)

• Introduction to Brad's eye tracking device from @Tobiidynavox (Video)

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