Children require consistent modeling when communicating with their Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device. Modeling AAC can improve a child’s communication across a variety of environments. Modeling AAC should happen everywhere: at the park, school, lunch, dinner, family events, field trips, etc.

Use AAC for a variety of purposes such as:

• Requests: “I want drink water”

• Statements: “I like soccer”

• Comments: “That’s cool”

• Questions: “What is your name?”

Taking the time to explore a child’s AAC device will increase their motor memory and help them communicate with others more efficiently. Speech language pathologists model requests for client’s who use AAC because modeling helps increase a child’s independent AAC use.

Children who use AAC benefit from consistent AAC modeling because they will begin to independently communicate! It is okay to feel unsure where words are located on an AAC device. Exploring the AAC device together is a fun way to grow a child’s language and communication.