Dawn

AAC modeling: teaching AAC by using it yourself

Modeling means tapping words on your child's AAC device while you talk to them, so they can see where the words are and hear how you use them.

By the Dawn AAC team · Updated · 2 minute read
Not yet reviewed by a speech-language pathologist. How we write these guides.

What is modeling?

Modeling (also called aided language input or aided language stimulation) means using the AAC system yourself while you talk. You say a sentence out loud and tap the key words on the device as you say them. Your child sees where the words are and hears them used in real situations.

What the research found

A 2018 analysis of 28 studies (26 small single-case studies and 2 group studies) found that interventions including adults using the AAC system were "highly effective" for people of various ages, disabilities and language skills, helping both understanding and expression.1 The authors recommended that people use AAC themselves when talking with someone who uses it.

A 2016 review found modeling led to children taking more turns in conversation, learning more words, combining symbols and using more grammar.2 A 2018 review of 48 studies with children up to age 21 found modeling generally helped children express themselves more.3 And in a randomized trial with toddlers, parents were coached to use a speech-generating device as they talked with their child; those children learned many more words than children taught with speech alone.4

How to model, step by step

  1. Get close. Sit beside your child with the device where you can both see it.
  2. Talk normally. Say your whole sentence out loud.
  3. Tap one or two key words as you say them. "You want more bubbles?" "Uh oh, it fell."
  4. Model two words when your child uses one. If they tap "more", you might model "more bubbles".
  5. Pause to give your child time to respond.
  6. Respond if they tap a word, look at you, make a sound or speak.
Dawn's Partner Tools screen with Edit mode, Lock Settings and Modeling mode switched on
Modeling mode in Partner Tools: your demonstration taps speak aloud without changing your child's suggestions or usage report.

Examples from everyday life

  • Snack time"Do you want crackers?" "More juice?" "All finished?"
  • Bath time"The water is hot." "Let's wash your hair." "Not in your eyes!"
  • Playing"Go, car, go!" "Stop!" "Your turn." "That's funny."
  • Getting dressed"Shoes on." "Where is your other sock?" "Help me."
  • Feelings"You look sad." "I feel tired too." "Are you angry?"

Model more than requests

"Want" and "more" come up all day, so they get modeled most. AAC research with autistic children has also mostly looked at asking for things; there is less evidence for commenting, protesting and chatting.5 Try modeling "look", "I like", "don't like", "silly", "where", "why" and "uh oh" too.

Common mistakes

  • Quizzing. "Show me dog." "What color is this?" Comment on what's happening instead.
  • Demanding a tap. "Say more and you can have it." Don't require a particular button press before giving your child what they're asking for.
  • Modeling only when things go well. Model during frustration too: "You're mad. You want to stop."
  • Stopping when there's little response. You may need to model for weeks before you notice your child responding.

Questions people ask

Do I have to model every word I say?

No. Tap one or two important words in a sentence while you say the whole thing out loud. For example: "Let's go to the park."

What if I can't find the word quickly?

Say what you're doing: "Hmm, where is help?" Your child sees how you find a word, which is useful in itself.

Should I use my child's device or a separate one?

Either works. Using their device shows them exactly where words are, which helps them learn the locations. If they don't like you touching it, a second device or a printed copy of the board works too.

How do I turn on Modeling mode in Dawn?

Open Settings, then Partner Tools. With Modeling mode on, your taps speak but don't change your child's word suggestions or usage report.

How long until my child copies me?

Some children start tapping words within days; others need months of modeling first.

Sources

  1. O'Neill T, Light J, Pope L. Effects of interventions that include aided augmentative and alternative communication input on the communication of individuals with complex communication needs: a meta-analysis. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 2018. doi.org/10.1044/2018_JSLHR-L-17-0132
  2. Sennott SC, Light JC, McNaughton D. AAC modeling intervention research review. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 2016. doi.org/10.1177/1540796916638822
  3. Biggs EE, Carter EW, Gilson CB. Systematic review of interventions involving aided AAC modeling for children with complex communication needs. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2018. doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-123.5.443
  4. Romski M, Sevcik RA, Adamson LB, et al. Randomized comparison of augmented and nonaugmented language interventions for toddlers with developmental delays and their parents. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 2010. doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2009/08-0156)
  5. Logan K, Iacono T, Trembath D. A systematic review of research into aided AAC to increase social-communication functions in children with autism spectrum disorder. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 2017. doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2016.1267795
  • How to start AACSetting up AAC and using it with your child in the first few weeks.
  • Core wordsCommon AAC words, where they go on the board, and how to combine them.
  • Does AAC delay speech?Findings from studies of AAC and children's speech, from toddlers to teens.
  • Autistic childrenFor nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic kids: a talking symbol board that can show a few words or many.

Try Dawn on iPhone or iPad

Symbols, typing and saved phrases, spoken in a natural voice. Dawn can also build a voice from about eight seconds of your own speech.

Requires iOS 17 or later.