How to talk with someone who uses AAC

Communicating with an AAC app or device is much slower than speech, even for experienced users. Listeners who rush, guess or change the subject make it harder.

Ten tips

1. Talk to them directly. Look at and speak to the person using AAC, not their parent, partner or carer. Don't assume they can't follow what you say.
2. Speak normally. There's no need to raise your voice or simplify your words unless they've told you that helps.
3. Allow time for a reply. When they start typing or tapping, stop talking. Don't fill the pause with new questions.
4. Don't guess too early. If you finish their sentence, you may guess wrong and they then have to correct you. Some people like guessing; ask first.
5. Ask one question at a time. Wait for the answer before asking the next.
6. Use yes/no questions when speed matters, and open questions when you have time. Use "Are you cold?" when a yes or no will do, and allow more time for "How was your day?"
7. Wait until they've finished before changing the subject. It's easy to move on just as a reply is ready.
8. Check you understood. If a message is short, repeat back what you think they mean: "You want to go now, before the traffic?"
9. Keep the device within reach. Put it back in reach after meals, transfers and charging.
10. Don't read over their shoulder. Wait for them to speak or show the message. Reading as they type and answering early cuts them off.

In a group

Group conversations move fast, and the topic may have changed by the time a message is ready. Someone in the group can notice the person is typing and say "Hang on, Jo's got something." Some people use a signal, like a raised hand or a saved "wait" phrase.

On the phone and in noise

A device's speaker can be hard to hear on a phone call or in a busy café. In noise, showing the message in large text on screen can work better than the speaker.

With children who are learning AAC

Children learning AAC need to see it used. If you're with a child who uses AAC, use their app or board yourself when you talk to them, pointing to a few key words as you speak. This is called modeling; there are examples of modeling in our guide.