What is AAC?
AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication – essentially any method that helps someone communicate beyond spoken words. This includes everything from simple picture cards, visual schedules, low tech devices, to dynamic screen communication devices. If you’re new to AAC or want to understand it better, I wrote a blog post on the 5 Common AAC Myths for a deeper dive. Many parents may believe that AAC will decrease speech, but I know from personal experience, it actually INCREASES speech and social interactions!
RELATED: 5 Common Myths About AAC
Why AAC?
Every child deserves to express their basic wants and needs – hungry, tired, help – and even have the ability to make comments. Without a way to communicate these essentials, children become frustrated, parents feel lost, and outings turn into battles. AAC gives your child a voice for their most important messages, reducing meltdowns and creating successful social interactions for the entire family.
There is nothing worse than not knowing what your child wants! I remember feeling helpless as my son was having a meltdown and pointing, wondering what he wanted and not knowing how to help him. Honestly, sometimes I wanted to have a meltdown right along with him!
You see, my son has autism and was nonverbal until age 5. I lived this life. Every. Single. Day. As both a speech-language pathologist and an autism mom, I understood AAC from a professional perspective – but I was learning what it meant to actually live it, to be there in those crucial moments.
It was due to early intervention and AAC that helped him communicate – now he talks without using a device. My son’s experience may not mirror your own, but I hope to provide you with inspiration. I see you. I understand you, and I know what it feels like to wonder, ‘Will my child ever talk?'”
RELATED: 10 Tips To Encourage AAC
The Moment That Changed Everything
When my son was three, I’ll never forget the day at the museum when he started getting antsy. Instead of scrambling for his device, scrolling through the pages, and trying to guess what he needed, I showed him the simple communication card I’d created. He immediately pointed to “ready to go.”
I asked, “Are you tired?” and he pointed to “yes.”
Instead of rushing to leave before a meltdown started, I looked him in the eye and said, “I know you’re tired and want to go, but we aren’t ready to leave yet. We need to see one more exhibit.”
And you know what? He settled down. No meltdown. No battle. He was at peace – not because I gave him what he wanted immediately, but because he had been heard and acknowledged.”He was only three years old, but he understood that his feelings mattered. That moment still gives me chills because it proved something powerful: quick communication isn’t about getting your way, it’s about being seen as a human being with valid feelings.
That’s the power of quick communication in action! 💛
What Inspired AAC On-The-Go
AAC On-The-Go isn’t meant to replace your child’s main communication system. It’s designed to complement it with lightning-fast access to the words that matter most during community outings – museums, zoos, restaurants, sporting events, science centers.
RELATED: Grab Your AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE
These are places where sensory overload is most likely to occur and your child needs quick solutions to be heard. This is especially helpful when you’re managing other children or navigating large group dynamics where you need immediate communication, not lengthy device searches.
AAC On-The-Go sets the foundation for basic needs, then the comprehensive device can dive deeper into conversation, once your child’s immediate needs are met.
My simple tool gives you instant communication for those urgent moments when your child needs to tell you:
- I am hungry
- I am thirsty
- It is too loud
- I feel sick
- I need my sensory toy
- I am ready to go
- Yes/No
How To Use AAC On-The-Go
Getting started is simple: choose between the vertical or horizontal style (both 8.5 x 5.5 inches), cut it out, and laminate for durability. The compact size makes it easy to toss in your purse, backpack, or sling bag for quick access when you’re out in the community.
When your child needs to communicate something urgent, simply show them the card and let them point to what they need. You’ll be able to attend to their needs quickly and avoid meltdowns before they start.
BONUS: I’ve included a Canva template link so you can design your own version with pictures that work specifically for your child!
RELATED: Grab Your AAC On-The-Go FREEBIE
Conclusion
Every child deserves to have their voice heard, especially during those challenging community outings. AAC On-The-Go gives your child a way to communicate their most urgent needs quickly, preventing frustration and creating successful experiences for your whole family.
Remember, it’s not about giving them everything they want immediately – it’s about acknowledging that their feelings matter.
