When a child is unable to speak or cannot access their words all of the time, parents may rely on asking yes and no questions to figure out what their child is trying to communicate. Many children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodiverse profiles may struggle to understand and respond to these types of questions, further complicating communication interactions. How do parents help their child with autism to understand and answer yes and no questions more successfully?
Read moreDoes My Child Need AAC?
If your child is struggling to speak, you may wonder what you can do to help ease frustration and promote more successful communication interactions. Many children develop creative ways to help others understand their attempts to communicate, such as pointing, using gestures, and acting things out to add clarity to their message. All of these forms of communication that lay outside of spoken words are part of a system called Augmentative and Alternative Communication or AAC.
Read moreWhat are the Types of AAC?
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is an umbrella term used by professionals to describe any ways in which we communicate alongside spoken words, or instead of spoken words. We all use these different supplements or alternatives when we communicate, but we don’t usually refer to them as AAC unless they are used by an individual who is experiencing limitations in spoken language. If you are a parent considering how AAC may be able to help your child communicate, it is helpful to know the different types of AAC available, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Children who struggle to communicate with spoken words should have access to several different types of AAC, all coming together to form the child’s AAC System. This post outlines the most common types of AAC used to support children with spoken language difficulties.
Read moreHow Do I Teach My Child to Use an AAC Device?
Do you remember the last time you had to learn something new? What helped your learning the most, and what didn’t? Were there role models or teachers that supported you along the way? Learning new things takes time and practice, and learning how to use an AAC device to communicate is no exception. As you adjust to using technology with your child to help them express their ideas, focusing more on the teaching and less on the technology can help to increase success, and reduce overwhelm. To get started with teaching your child to use an AAC device, bring your patience, commit to the process, and consider the following steps to guide your learning, and teaching.
Read moreBecome a Better Partner for Autistic Children who Struggle to Speak
When communicating with an autistic child or any child struggling to develop speech and language, it is important to consider how to adjust your style to better support their individual needs. All autistic children are different, but these general guidelines can be a good starting point for you to become a supportive and responsive communication partner.
Read moreHow Do I Choose the Right AAC Device for My Child?
As a parent, you have a lot of decisions to make. And if you’re the parent of a child who is not speaking or speaking very little, choosing the right communication support is at the top of that list. With so many AAC speech devices to choose from, how do you know which one is the best fit? Here are a few things to consider on your quest to find the best AAC speech device for your child’s needs and goals.
Read moreWill AAC Prevent My Child From Speaking?
If you’re worried that teaching your child how to use an AAC device to communicate will hinder or prevent speech development, you need to read this. We can help you understand the benefits of AAC and how it fits into your family’s life. This journey starts with a mindset shift.
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