Speech & Communication Resources for Families

Explore practical AAC tips, parent workshops, and communication resources designed to support learning and communication at home.

AAC Tips for Home

Simple strategies families can use to support AAC ownership, collaboration, routines, and successful device use at home.

Build Ownership Into Daily Routines

Using a device at home requires a change in the way a parent thinks and in the home routine. Having the student and/or parent carry the device from one place to another within the home, or out into the community, is an important ownership skill and may need to take precedence over device implementation.

It is also important for the student or parent to charge the device each evening.

Tip guidance: Daniel Adler, M.S., CCC/SLP, TSSLD, with home-related guidance from Jessica Kessler, M.S. Ed., M.S., CCC-SLP, TSSLD.

Use Online AAC Information Thoughtfully

The internet can be a great place to find information about AAC, support groups, and implementation strategies. Be mindful and think critically about what you read online and on social media regarding AAC use and implementation.

Before adjusting an AAC program or implementing new ideas, consider checking with your child’s team. Open communication helps everyone collaborate for your child’s success.

Start With a Familiar Routine

Pick a time when you would like to begin implementing device use at home. It may be best to begin within established routines such as bedtime, reading a story, or mealtime.

Choose one or two words to model within that routine and practice those vocabulary words in advance. Initially, model the words within your conversation without expecting a response from your child. Low-tech communication boards can also be used to model words at home.

Take a Break When Needed

If you or your child become stressed, take a break from device use. Families can contact their SLP and school team to discuss frustrations and strategies that may support device use, including wait time and other ideas.

Watch the AAC home-use video (opens in a new tab).

Speech Parent Training Sessions

Welcome to the Speech Training section. Select a workshop below to explore practical ideas and strategies for supporting your child at home.

Building Language When Reading at Home Prompting Cooking With Your Child at Home Picky Eating & Autism — A Guide for Parents Game Playing

AAC Do’s & Don’ts

Need an engaging way to help communication partners understand some of the basics of interacting with students who use AAC? This brief video was created by Daniel Adler and his SLP colleagues, with support from Jessica Kessler-Rizzo, all of whom work at New York public schools.

Many thanks to Daniel, Esther Adler, Kathryn D’Agostino Russo, Stavroula Economou, Liz Foehr, Alysha Kaufman, Tiffany Marino, and all of the student actors who participated.

Visit the AAC Resource Website