AAC Devices for Non-Verbal Kids: Guide

AAC devices help non-verbal children communicate. Here's what you need to know:

• AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication
• It includes picture boards, electronic devices, and speech-generating tech
• Benefits: reduces frustration, improves social interaction, boosts language skills

Key points:

1. AAC device types:
   • Simple: Picture boards, communication books
   • Basic electronic: One-message devices, GoTalk devices
   • Advanced: Tablets with AAC apps, dedicated speech devices
2. Choosing the right device:
   • Match features to child's abilities (motor skills, vision, thinking skills)
   • Consider portability and ease of use
   • Work with a speech-language pathologist
3. Using AAC:
   • Model usage in everyday situations
   • Make it fun with games and activities
   • Incorporate into daily routines
4. Overcoming challenges:
   • Be patient and persistent
   • Address device problems promptly
   • Set realistic goals
5. Building support:
   • Involve family members
   • Collaborate with teachers
   • Join parent support groups

Remember: Start now, be consistent, and celebrate small wins. AAC opens up a world of communication for non-verbal kids.

Device Type	Examples	Best For
Simple	Picture boards, PECS	Basic needs, beginners
Basic Electronic	GoTalk, Big Mack	More complex needs, portability
Advanced	iPad with apps, Tobii Dynavox	Comprehensive communication, customization

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AAC Device Types

AAC devices range from simple tools to high-tech gadgets. Here's a breakdown:

Simple AAC Tools

These are the no-frills options:

• Picture boards: Image cards for words or phrases
• Communication books: Symbol collections for pointing
• PECS: Picture cards for basic requests

Basic Electronic AAC

A step up, with voice output:

• One-message devices: Play a single recorded message
• GoTalk devices: Multiple pre-programmed messages
• Wearable options: For on-the-go communication

Device	Features	Best For
Big Mack	One button, one message	Simple needs, kids
GoTalk 9+	9 buttons, 5 levels	More complex needs
Pocket GoTalk	6 buttons, 5 levels, portable	Mobile use

Advanced AAC Technology

The high-tech stuff:

• Tablets with AAC apps: Think iPads with Proloquo2Go
• Dedicated speech devices: Built specifically for communication
• Eye-gaze systems: For users with limited movement

Device	Key Features	Price Range
NovaChat	Custom vocab, word prediction	$5,000 - $8,000
Tobii Dynavox	Eye-tracking, TD Snap software	$6,000 - $15,000
Accent	LAMP software, research-backed	$7,000 - $9,000

"AAC gives your child another way to express themselves creatively and independently." - Christina French, M.S., CF-SLP

Understanding Your Child's Needs

Common Communication Issues

Non-verbal kids often struggle with:

• Expressing wants and needs
• Understanding complex instructions
• Getting frustrated when they can't communicate
• Interacting with others

Checking Physical and Mental Skills

To pick the right AAC device, look at your child's:

• Motor skills: Can they point or tap?
• Vision: How well do they see and process images?
• Thinking skills: Do they get cause and effect?
• Focus: How long can they pay attention?

Skill	What to Check	Why It's Important
Motor	Pointing or tapping	Helps choose between touch screen or eye-gaze
Vision	Image recognition	Determines symbol complexity on the device
Thinking	Cause-effect understanding	Guides device complexity and features
Focus	Attention span	Influences session length and device interface

Getting Expert Help

Work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). They'll:

• Do formal tests
• Watch your child in different settings
• Suggest good AAC options

"For every evaluation, you will need to know some basic information... I will usually have most of the history information collected before the initial evaluation." - Stephanie Meehan, MA, CCC-SLP

When working with an SLP:

1. List your child's behaviors and communication attempts
2. Bring any communication tools your child uses now
3. Be ready to talk about your child's daily routine and challenges

Picking the Right AAC Device

Choosing an AAC device for your non-verbal child? Here's how to find one that fits:

Match Features to Abilities

Child's Ability	Look For
Motor skills	Touch screen or eye-gaze tech
Vision	Adjustable symbols
Thinking skills	Simple or complex interface
Focus	Number of buttons per page

Portability Matters

Pick a device your child can use anywhere:

• Size: The Pocket Go-Talk 5-Level fits in a pocket ($190)
• Durability: Get a sturdy case
• Battery: Should last a school day

Keep It Simple

The device should be easy for you and your child:

• Test apps during free trials
• Make sure you can add personal words
• Check for training and tech support

"AAC users need a system with many words in every category." - AssistiveWare

A good AAC device grows with your child. It needs:

• Core words (200 common words)
• Fringe vocabulary (child's interests)
• Alphabet for spelling

Work with a speech-language pathologist to find the best fit. They'll help you try options and pick a device for now and later.

Setting Up Your AAC Device

Here's how to set up an AAC device for your non-verbal child:

First-Time Setup

1. Pick the right system: Team up with a speech-language pro to choose an AAC system that fits your kid's needs.
2. Get to know it: Learn the basics:
   • On/off switch
   • Volume control
   • Word search
   • Common word locations
3. Keep it close: Make sure your child can always reach the device.

Make It Personal

Add words that matter to your child:

• Family names
• Pets
• Favorite toys and activities
• Go-to foods
• Places they love

Don't trash the existing words. Your kid might need them later.

Symbols at Home

Create a symbol-rich space:

Room	Symbol Ideas
Kitchen	Food, utensils
Bedroom	Clothes, toys
Bathroom	Toiletries, bath stuff
Living Room	TV, games, family fun

Show your child how to use the AAC device in everyday life. Don't push them to respond - just model it.

"Symbols aren't enough. Kids need to experience them in a symbol-rich environment." - Jane Korsten, QIAT Listserv

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Teaching AAC Use

Showing How to Use AAC

Model AAC use in everyday situations. Point to or press words on the AAC device as you speak. This is called 'aided language stimulation'.

Here's how to teach the word 'ball':

1. Point to the ball icon and say: "Oh look at this ball!"
2. Point again: "I have a big red ball"
3. Point once more: "I'm passing the ball to daddy"
4. Finally, point and say: "Catch the ball"

Don't worry if your child doesn't get it right away. It might take about 100 tries before they start to copy you. Just keep at it!

Making AAC Fun

Turn AAC into a game:

• Use AAC symbols for cooking instructions
• Play BINGO with AAC symbols
• Create a scavenger hunt using AAC symbols and recorded messages
• Make a baseball communication board with game-related symbols

Using AAC Every Day

Weave AAC into daily life:

Activity	AAC Use Example
Mealtime	Use "eat", "more", "drink"
Bath time	Point to "water", "soap", "towel"
Getting dressed	Show clothing item symbols
Playtime	Use "my turn", "your turn"

Quick tips:

• Keep the device close by
• Put toys just out of reach to encourage communication
• Use closed containers to prompt "open" requests
• Focus on one core word per week
• Create a folder with pictures of favorite songs/shows

"It's crucial for individuals to have symbols AND experience with those symbols in a symbol-rich environment." - Jane Korsten, QIAT Listserv

Solving Common Problems

When Your Child Doesn't Want to Use AAC

Kids often resist new things, including AAC devices. It's a new language for them, after all. Here's what you can do:

• Keep using AAC yourself, even if your child doesn't
• Find fun ways to use AAC (like asking to watch videos)
• Use AAC to help in tough communication spots

Carrie Clark, a speech-language pro, says: "Make sure the child has their own AAC device. You might need to get a new one just for AAC."

Fixing Device Problems

AAC devices can act up. Here's how to handle common issues:

1. Device throwing

Some kids might chuck their AAC device when they're mad. Don't hide it. Instead:

• Use the device to talk about feelings
• Make a story about how to use the device nicely
• Get a tough case to protect it

2. Keeping it working

Problem	Fix
Dirty device	Wipe with a soft cloth
Low battery	Charge before it hits 10%
Cracked screen	Use a screen protector

3. Tech troubles

• Turn it off and on again (solves most problems)
• If that doesn't work, ask the app's support team for help

Setting Realistic Goals

Good goals keep you motivated. Try these:

• Start with one fun AAC activity
• Team up with your child's school to use AAC in class
• Focus on making tough communication easier

Progress takes time. Vidya Banerjee, a mom and blogger, says: "AAC is your child's voice. Never take it away from them."

Building a Support Network

A strong support network is crucial for AAC success with non-verbal kids. Here's how to build one:

Getting Family Involved

Family plays a big role in daily AAC use. To get everyone on board:

• Use AAC during family activities
• Encourage all family members to use AAC
• Start small and keep it fun

During game night, use AAC to discuss turns or who's winning.

"The more they use AAC at home, the better they'll communicate with others." - Nayantara Nambiar, Speech Language Pathologist

Working with Teachers

Team up with teachers for AAC success at school:

• Share your child's AAC device and strategies
• Ask teachers to use AAC in class activities
• Set up regular progress check-ins

At School	AAC Use
Classroom	Answer questions, ask for help
Cafeteria	Order food, chat with friends
Playground	Join games, express feelings

Finding Parent Groups

Connect with other parents for support and advice:

• Join online groups like AAC Parents Google Group
• Find local support groups
• Attend AAC workshops or conferences

"Supporting parents, guardians, and caregivers means supporting our clients." - Marisa Julius, Speech-Language Pathologist

Tracking Progress

Keeping tabs on your child's AAC journey is key. Here's how:

Set Clear Goals

Make goals you can actually measure:

• Think about what you can see, not just device skills
• Use this format: DO, CONDITION, CRITERION
• For example: "Sam will use 'I want [item]' to ask for 3 different things during meals each day"

Spot Improvements

Keep a close eye on progress:

• Try tools like the Communication Matrix
• Watch your child at home, school, and out and about
• Note how often they use AAC and any new words they learn

Where	What to Look For
Home	Daily AAC use, new words
School	Class participation, talking with friends
Out and About	Ordering food, asking for help

Switch It Up

Change your approach as your child grows:

• Look at goals every few months
• Ask speech therapists for new ideas
• Update the AAC device with words your child likes and needs

"Goals for independent communication are super important." - Ashley Larisey, SLP at Community High School District 218

Wrap-Up

Let's recap the key points about AAC devices for non-verbal kids:

AAC helps people who can't use spoken language. Anyone can start using it - there's no age limit or skill requirement. The right AAC method should fit your child's needs and likes.

Use the AAC device everywhere - at home, school, and out and about. It takes time to learn, so be patient. Show your child how to use it by modeling in everyday situations. Keep track of progress and adjust as needed.

Starting with AAC might seem tough, but:

• Start now. Don't wait for the "perfect" time.
• Trust the process. Progress comes with patience and practice.
• Get support. Connect with other parents and professionals.

"The best time to get started is... today. Don't put it off, and don't mull over whether it's 'too late'."

Here's a quick guide:

Do	Don't
Use AAC consistently	Wait for your child to be "ready"
Model AAC use yourself	Limit AAC to therapy sessions
Celebrate small wins	Get discouraged by slow progress
Ask for help when needed	Try to do everything alone

AAC gives your child a way to express themselves. It's a journey that can lead to better communication and stronger connections.

Stay positive, stay patient, and keep going. You're making a real difference in your child's life.

FAQs

What features matter when picking an AAC device?

Speech therapists focus on five key areas when selecting an AAC device:

1. Motor needs: How the user physically interacts with the device
2. Cognitive abilities: The user's thinking and learning skills
3. Sensory needs: Visual or auditory requirements
4. Language abilities: Current communication level
5. Caregiver support: Available help at home

Finding a device that fits your child's specific needs in these areas is crucial.

High-tech vs. low-tech AAC: What's the difference?

AAC Type	Description	Examples
Low-tech	Non-electronic or simple electronic devices	PECS, communication boards, books
High-tech	Complex electronic devices with message storage and retrieval	iPads with AAC apps, eye gaze devices

Low-tech options are simpler to use and can back up high-tech devices.

Can I use an iPad for AAC?

Yes, iPads can work well as AAC devices. They offer:

• Lower cost than specialized AAC devices
• Social acceptance and portability
• Many AAC app options

Popular AAC apps include Proloquo2Go ($189), TouchChat, and LAMP Words for Life.

To use an iPad just for AAC, lock it into the communication app with guided access.

Funding options for iPads as AAC devices include public schools, state vocational rehab offices, private insurance, Medicaid, and grants.