Maybe in a few years I'll look back on this post and think, "wow, I don't even remember AAC awkwardness."  But now, in the early stages of teaching a child to communicate with an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device, it can feel awkward a lot of the time. It feels far less natural than physical or occupational therapy type exercises, but practice is just as critical.  Here are 3 tips on making this practice feel better.

1: Make it a game

Adapt traditional peek-a-boo or find a toy that makes your little one crack up (we love party blowers!) Set up a board with the picture of the person playing peek-a-boo or that funny toy, and react when your child selects the picture.  Once you hear that laughter, you'll forget all about using the AAC to get there.  Plus, it's awesome practice on social skills too!

2: Find routine

When you're starting out with an AAC, pick a few points in the day where it's easy to use the AAC, and then use it at that time every day.  For example, after the workday is done, try allowing your child to choose the TV show the want to watch while you prepare dinner.  It's motivating for them, and is a simple time to have them practice a bit. Soon, you might even start to see your child looking for his AAC device at these regular points in the day.

3: Find a voice

Those standard robotic voices that come out of AAC programs don't seem to suit any human, especially not your little one.  Ask for help from a sibling or a friend's child to record the voice for each selection.  It's a great way to involve others and start to add awareness.  I've even had my friend's five year old ask to work on more boards since it was "so fun", so it can foster peer interaction too.

Starting to find ways to make AAC use feel more natural will help with overall adoption for both you and your child, too.

Have another tip to share? Add it to the comments below!