Symbol-based communication is using symbols (i.e., a picture, written word, letter, etc.) to represent a word or idea. Symbol-based communication is often used by individuals who are unable to communicate using speech alone and who have not yet developed, or have difficulty developing literacy skills.

If we expect learners to speak using symbols, we must speak using symbols. Aided Language Stimulation or Aided Language Input is a research-based strategy for teaching symbol-based communication. See the video for more information.

A robust and well-organized set of symbols need to be available in order to demonstrate how they can be used for a variety of communication functions in a variety of different contexts. Using the same well-organized set of symbols flexibly in all environments supports communication development and language learning over time. 

Learn more here. 

• When a student communicates something by looking at an object or making a noise, demonstrate how they could “say it‟ on their AAC system. This is another form of modeling.

• Read and match the student’s non-verbal signals with pictures. Look for what the student communicates with body language and gestures and match those with symbols. For example, if a student puts their head down on the table, the adult could point at tired symbol and say, “You look tired.”