Practicing AAC

Many parents and professionals are concerned about using augmentative/alternative forms of communication (AAC) with young children because they are worried that the child will not talk if given the alternate form to use. Research shows the opposite is true; using sign, pictures, or written words can help the child to become verbal. Children will "naturally" use the most effective and efficient way possible to get their communicative needs met, which is verbal.

When we speak words "fly out" of our mouths and disappear. By providing a visual representation of the word, children with language concerns have something to "hold on to". Once they can hold on to the word and say it, they will not have the need for AAC.If we are teaching the child to speak, we speak to them. When we want a child to use sign language, we sign to them. If we are expecting the child to use a picture symbol to communicate, then we should, naturally use picture symbols to communicate to them. If we want the child to chose a color reward sticker, using picture symbols, then we should use the picture symbol phrase "What color?" paired with the verbal words when asking. Here are some ideas to help get you started:

1. Use puzzles that are category based (food, animals, ABCs, etc). Make a communication board with picture symbols that represent each piece. Make another board for yourself with picture symbols that represent your questions ("Which puzzle?" "Need help?" "What piece?"). Use your board to ask and use their board for the response.
2. When reciting nursery rhymes and fingerplays using picture symbols, leave off the ending picture symbol and let the children fill in the blanks.
3. Use classic stories (3 Little Pigs) or repetitive stories (Brown Bear, Brown Bear) and leave out key words. Let the children fill in the missing words.
4. Sit down and color in a coloring book! Ask the child to pass you the color crayons that you can't reach. Be sure and use picture symbols when asking.
5. More colors….Cut large squares or circles out of different colors of colored cellophane wrap. Ask (using picture symbols) "What color?". Whatever color the child chooses let him/her look through the color to see the world differently.