Language Up Games

This is a free handout/activity that you can give to students, parents and staff discussing expanded communicative functions using AAC. Many students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities perseverate on particular phrases or communicative functions. This can look like "I want..." (requesting) certain items or activities repeatedly. Motorically, this is a problem as students' tendency to select certain icons and AAC pathways become ingrained. But, fear not, informati

This is a PDF version of the printable handout I posted previously with strategies for targeting Expanding Communicative Functions using AAC. Many students get stuck in the habit of repeating familiar or preferred phrases or words. Often this takes the shape of requesting "I want..." plus a highly motivating activity or object. This builds upon that skill to expand by adding models for new communicative functions, as well as providing some helpful tips for handling student motivation, providin

Flip it! ✨ It’s never wrong to ask AAC users a question, but I’m asking communication partners to consider the demands they’re placing on communication. Often we ask questions of people without a second thought, and I noticed sometimes for staff who aren’t trained in speech pathology this can lead to communication breakdowns and mutual frustration. By flipping our language from a question to a statement, we attribute meaning to their communication, affirm their communication, clarify our