Keeping Communication Skills Strong This Summer Using AAC

Practical Tips for Parents of Nonverbal K-5 Students Using AAC Devices

Summer is a time for rest and family fun, but for children who are nonverbal and use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, a little consistent practice makes a big difference. Whether your child uses PCS (Picture Communication Symbols), GoTalk, TouchChat, Proloquo2Go, or another static or dynamic system, maintaining their skills over the break helps them return in September ready to continue progressing.

Why Summer Practice Matters

Children with autism who rely on AAC devices can lose confidence and vocabulary if the device is not used regularly. Short, meaningful practice sessions help reinforce:

• Vocabulary recall
• Navigation skills on the device
• The habit of using the device to communicate needs and thoughts

Even 10–15 minutes spread throughout the day is very effective.

Key Areas to Focus On

1. Core Vocabulary These are the most important everyday words. Practice them in real situations using your child’s specific system:

• PCS / GoTalk: Use the core word symbols for I want, more, help, go, stop, finished, eat, drink, bathroom, yes, no, etc.
• TouchChat / Proloquo2Go: Navigate to the core vocabulary folder or Quick Chat and model words like eat, drink, more, help, bathroom, yes, no, happy, sad, mad, etc.

2. Making Requests Help your child actively ask for what they want:

• Examples: “I want juice”, “I want play outside”, “Watch tablet”, “I need help”
• In TouchChat/Proloquo2Go: Use the “I want” sentence builder or core buttons.
• In PCS/GoTalk: Point to or exchange the “want” symbol + desired item symbol.

3. Making Comments & Sharing Ideas Encourage your child to comment on the world around them:

• Examples: “It’s hot”, “I like this”, “Big truck!”, “Mommy cooking”, “That’s funny”
• In dynamic systems (TouchChat/Proloquo2Go): Use comment or social pages.
• In static systems (PCS/GoTalk): Have dedicated comment symbols ready.

Easy Daily Practice Ideas

Use the device naturally during these routines:

• Mealtimes — “eat”, “drink”, “more”, “finished”, “I want + apple”
• Getting dressed — “shirt”, “shoes”, “help”
• Bath time — “bath”, “water”, “done”
• Park / Store — “outside”, “swing”, “I want ball”
• Bedtime — “book”, “story”, “sleep”

Suggested Simple Daily Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and getting ready
• Afternoon: Playtime, snack, or park
• Evening: Dinner and bedtime routine

Helpful Tips for All AAC Systems

• Keep the device charged and within reach all day.
• Model on the device: Speak and press buttons at the same time so your child sees how it’s used.
• Give wait time — count slowly to 10 after you ask a question.
• Celebrate every attempt, even if it’s not perfect.
• Take occasional short videos of your child successfully using the device — this will help the speech therapist in the fall.

Remember: The goal is not perfection, but consistent, functional communication in real life.

By keeping the AAC device active over the summer, you are giving your child the best chance to maintain their progress and continue growing their voice. Every bit of practice you do together is valuable.

Enjoy your summer!