Getting Started with Your Child’s AAC device
Your child got evaluated for an AAC device, now what? It can be challenging to start using an AAC device with your child. An alternative and argumentative communication (AAC) device is any device that allows a child to use language to communicate other than spoken speech.
Here are some ideas on how to get started with the device:
- Become familiar with your Child’s device. The easier you can use the device, the easier you can show your child how to use the device.
- Model using the device around the house.
- Encourage the child to use the device. The simpler the better initially. You can just pick two icons to begin to teach your child to communicate. I recommend ‘more’ and ‘all done’ and you can implement this during snack time. Choose your child’s favorite snack but only give them one at a time. You model the ‘more’ icon before giving them more and eventually fade to the child selecting the ‘more’ icon to request for more snacks. You can also start on a swing and have the child select the ‘go’ icon every time they want a push. It’s okay to do the same activity over and over, that’s how children learn!
If you have any questions feel free to contact our office and you can speak with one of the AAC specialist.
Callie Mae Mathis, M.S., CCC-SLP