I’ve been two different types of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in my career: the SLP I was before having kids of my own, and the SLP I’ve been ever since.
When it comes to introducing & using an augmentative & alternative communication (AAC) system with your child at home, the Before Kids version of myself would’ve told you to do everything by the book: use it as much as possible, model words on it all day long, bring it absolutely everywhere you go.
But since having my own children, I’ve learned just how unachievable those recommendations can be. Life as a caregiver is completely chaotic. Something that is a priority one day may be pushed to the back burner the next. The best-laid plans can get blown up in an instant.
There’s nothing that stalls progress more than the feeling of consistently falling short of the mark, no matter how unrealistic those expectations were to begin with.
This is why I like to give recommendations with real life in mind. Here are 3 practical strategies to try out today:
1) Model use of your child’s AAC system during times of the day that work for you.
I encourage you to literally write out your day from the moment your child wakes up to the moment they go to sleep. Cross out the parts of the day where using an AAC system feels like too much. The rush to get out the door in the morning? That sounds like a terrible time to add one more thing! When you’re trying to get dinner on the table? Let’s table AAC use then, too. But when it’s time for a snack after school? Maybe that could be a good time to model the options on your child’s AAC device! Or when you go out to the local coffee shop on Sunday mornings, maybe you could model using the icon for “hi” to greet the barista. Pick the times of day that work best for you and your family.
2) Encourage ALL forms of communication.
Sure, we want to teach your child how to use this amazing, robust communication tool! But practically speaking, there are many other ways your child can and will communicate - and those still hold value. Maybe they like to produce the sign for “help” when they can’t get their shoes on by themselves - that’s perfect! Or perhaps they point to the toy they want at the store - we love to see it. Their robust AAC system isn’t the one and only way that your child will communicate - so let’s celebrate all of the ways they like to express themselves.
3) Don’t add one more thing to your “To Do” list! Think about ways that you and your child already interact, and incorporate AAC use into them.
Maybe this means when you’re picking out clothes with your child in the morning, you model their options on their AAC system (e.g., “blue” or “red” shirt). Or when you’re playing with them at the playground, you model words on their device that you already say to them (e.g., “swings”, “again”, “fun”). Think about the routine and/or joyful moments that you already experience with your child during the day and incorporate AAC into them - rather than feeling the pressure to add a separate “AAC time” to your already jam-packed schedule. This is not only easier, it’s also more impactful - a real win-win!
Start here, and see how it feels!
From one parent to another: you’re doing an amazing job.