AAC in our Everyday Life: Today, Tomorrow and Beyond
Ethan, my incredible 7-year-old son, has now used an AAC device for over 2 years, & it’s been life-changing for us all in every way. He is autistic & non-speaking with an amazing personality, which his AAC use has definitely helped to display. He’s shown us his sense of humour, he’s been able to ask for help over & over again. It’s supported his development, his relationships, & his joy – to name just a few.
Fitting in with the AAC awareness month theme, Ethan’s AAC use has changed his & our family’s lives today, tomorrow & beyond. Its impact & empowerment can be felt everywhere.
Here’s some examples:
Today
Every waking moment – from Ethan jumping out of bed to going to sleep – his AAC use is available, ready-to-use, & always accessible. We start each day saying “Good morning” to each other & seeing where the communication flows. Most often it’s to direct us to his favourite songs on YouTube & request exactly what he wants for breakfast.
On a daily basis Ethan’s AAC device empowers everything he does:
He proudly carries it into his Specialist School to support his education, & to advocate for himself throughout the day. He uses his AAC to build relationships – he’ll make his teachers repeat his favourite phrases & sing his favourite songs, whilst also being able to share when he needs “Mummy” or say “I feel poorly” whenever he needs to.
His AAC use has also enabled Ethan to progress developmentally – i.e we had tried Toilet Training numerous times, but AAC modelling & the creation of specific AAC folders to support this seemed to be the missing link. This is absolutely huge for Ethan – today, tomorrow & beyond.
One of my favourite ways Ethan uses his device is every time he asks for “help”. This is such an important phrase & one that is vital for him. Sometimes he can also use his device to clarify what he needs help with; once it was “61” because this number from his favourite wooden number board had gone under the sofa!
Tomorrow
As Ethan’s AAC use progresses I can see him starting to use it more conversationally – he already does a little. He’ll say “It’s raining,” sing along to songs using his AAC device, say “Thank you, Mummy,” and one hugely memorable time he said “I love you” at bedtime.
But through our consistent modelling & use at home I would love to see this develop. One thing I do know though is that AAC use, especially for autistic users, isn’t a quick-win. It’s a long ride, often with many twists & turns, but it’s hugely worth it.
Ethan has started to spell a little using his device & I would love to see this develop. I can see him spelling words to help us edit his device; he already loves choosing the symbol to go with certain words & phrases. But, it would be incredible if he could type the word he wants added & even use the search function on his AAC.
It’s also a huge goal of mine, as one of Ethan’s primary communication partners, to get us both comfortable using AAC out in the community. We already use AAC everywhere we go; we model, Ethan uses his device, it’s always accessible, & of course he uses it at School. But, by “out in the community,” I mean Ethan using his AAC to order his own “Sausage Sandwich” or “Gingerbread Man” in the Restaurant rather than us ordering verbally for him. This feels like a big step but definitely the next step in Ethan’s AAC use that I’m really excited to support him with.
Beyond
Since Ethan’s AAC use I feel the future has opened up & is now limitless. We will always support him to reach for the stars & his AAC device empowers this. His education is supported, he can express his personality, he can share his needs, build relationships, have fun – which all in turn support his life chances, connections & his mental health.
I would love to see AAC mentoring & interaction with peers who use AAC in Ethan’s future. These are opportunities I am always mindful of & am always keeping one eye out for. I feel these would hugely support his AAC use, his sense of belonging, & really help him feel comfortable using AAC in the community.
Tips
As Ethan’s parents, his AAC use gives us confidence sending him off to School & plays a huge part in ensuring we meet his needs & keep him regulated. Here’s 3 of my AAC tips from our lived experience:
1. Make it fun!
AAC success happens in play, in fun & in connection. Choose something your child loves, however random or wacky, & roll with it! Sing their favourite song multiple times while modelling how to choose the song, how to ask for “more” & how to say, via their AAC, the phrase they love within it.
2. Don’t let modelling overwhelm you!
Modelling, the act of pressing buttons on your child’s AAC device to reflect the communication in that moment, is another example of how AAC is a long game. Pick one scenario to model first, whether that’s the morning routine or each time they eat – but, pick just one thing to work on before building onto this, bit by bit.
3. You have to become an AAC advocate.
Sadly, it’s almost a given that at some point along your journey you will be met with an AAC doubter & someone that just cannot seem to “assume potential” of children like ours. You must equip yourself with the stats, the myths & the practised phrases so you’re ready. Whatever Ethan does – today, tomorrow & beyond – I know his AAC device will be right by his side, every step of the way. Introducing AAC was the best thing our past selves could ever have done.
AAC in our Everyday Life: Today, Tomorrow & Beyond – a blog by Laura Brown, AAC & Inclusion Advocate, Spinning World of Autism
Ethan eating pizza in the woods. His AAC device is on the table beside him to support his communication at all times.
Laura and Ethan on the way to school. Ethan is holding his AAC device.
Laura’s Top Tips for AAC
AAC – A Parent’s Perspective – Watch the recording
Laura Brown recently gave a wonderful presentation on AAC – A Parent’s Perspective as part of CENMAC’s Thursday Thirty training and information sessions.
In this recording Laura shares her lived experience perspective on introducing an AAC device to her autistic, non speaking son – Ethan.
Laura discusses their AAC magical moments & life changing highlights, whilst also reflecting on the challenges along the way. Laura also briefly discusses the story behind her parliamentary campaign, “Speak Up for Autism“.
Watch for top tips, video footage of Ethan in action on his AAC device & a boost of AAC advocacy.
About Laura Brown
Laura Brown is parent of Ethan, an autistic 6 year old, who is non-speaking & a proud AAC user. AAC advocacy is at the heart of all Laura does to fight for her son, but also for all individuals who would benefit from access to an AAC device. Based on their positive AAC lived experience as a family, Laura is now a proud AAC advocate sharing their story across the UK as a confident speaker & in various media outlets. Highlights have included speaking at the Houses of Parliament for the APPG for Assistive Technology, being Keynote Speaker at Communication Works, an ITV news feature showing Ethan’s AAC use in action, frequent radio interviews & writing an article for The National Autistic Society all about how her family have introduced & embraced AAC. She is also founder of the online community Spinning World of Autism.