About AAC: articles
Short articles about augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): what it is, how to start and how to support a child who cannot speak or speaks very little.
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What is AAC? Augmentative and alternative communication
AAC in plain words: how a child who doesn't talk can communicate with cards, gestures or an app — and how to start at home.
AAC fundamentals
10 words to start with
Ten words that fit almost any situation: more, stop, not, want and more. How to use each one, and why every word needs a fixed place on the board.
A first communication board in one evening
How to make a first communication board at home in one evening: what you need, how many pictures, where to keep it and how to talk on it.
Starting AAC
A paper backup board: what to do when the tablet dies
Tablet flat or in for repair? How to make a paper board with the same words, laminate it and keep copies in the bag, the car and at school.
AAC at the doctor: getting your child and board ready
A short visit board (hurts, yes, no, stop), a one-page note on how your child communicates, and what to tell the staff when you arrive.
How a child picks a picture: touch, switch, eye gaze
Touch, a switch or eye gaze: how a child picks a picture in AAC when hands don't cooperate, and when to ask for an access assessment.
How to tell your child's teacher about their AAC
What to tell the teacher: how your child says yes and no, where the board is, why wait time matters and how to model. Plus a one-page template.
More than asking: saying no, commenting, asking questions
Communication is more than requests. How to give a child who uses AAC words to say no, share, ask questions, talk about feelings and say hello.
Show it yourself: how to model AAC
Modelling means you talk on your child's board or tablet yourself. Four simple steps, three everyday scenes and the common mistakes to avoid.
Signs, cards, tablets: the kinds of AAC
Gestures, picture cards, boards and tablets: the kinds of AAC, what PECS and Makaton are, and how to choose where your family starts.
Will AAC stop my child from talking?
Parents' most common fear is that cards or a tablet will stop a child from talking. What the research actually shows, and what to tell family.