Early introduction to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an evidence-based intervention for children at risk for developing speech and language delays secondary to medical complexity. This handout provides information related to the importance of early introduction to AAC to aid the development of language skills.
This resource provides a general roadmap for assessing and implementing light augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tasks and activities for clients who are either non-speaking or with delayed initiation of verbal communication.
This resource is for clinicians, families, and teachers who are working on goals targeting foundational skills needed for children to use high tech eye gaze AAC systems.
Many families find it difficult to support the communicative needs of their little ones who depend on AAC for participation in activities of daily living. This resource is for therapists, parents, caregivers, and educators who are seeking ideas and activities to build receptive and expressive language skills with their children who use aided AAC.
This therapy intervention task is designed for pediatric clinicians working with children to use AAC devices to effectively communicate wants, needs, and ideas. The printable resource includes a PDF with instructions on how to model language using AAC and includes a quick practice board with the words “want,” “go,” “stop,” “help,” “turn,” and “more.”
Feeding therapy or mealtimes in general can be stressful for children with sensory processing issues or communication difficulties. Use this communication mat during snack, meals, or feeding therapy to model language for early learners.
AAC devices are often used in limited capacities and the focus is on teaching the user to request as the main function, but that’s not how voiced individuals communicate. This resource provides examples and activities to engage AAC users to expand their language beyond simply requesting.
These visual cards can be used in therapy and at home as a functional activity. One way to use these cards is during play routines (e.g., practice “in” and “out” while playing with a toy; prompt the child by asking, “Is the ball in the box or out of the box?” and point to the correct cord word image).