Aided Language Stimulation

Strategy 1 Aided Language Stimulation

WHAT?

Aided Language Stimulation is an approach in which the facilitator points out pictures symbols on an individual’s communication display in conjunction with ongoing language stimulation. Through the modeling process, the concept of using the pictorial symbols interactively is demonstrated for the individual. – Goossens’, Crain, & Elder (1992)

WHY?

Individuals who use AAC require models to learn how to communicate effectively. Just like how a child learning how to talk has models in the form of adults, siblings and peers who talk to him, an individual learning how to use his AAC system requires models too. This means that communication partners should use the same AAC system when communicating with the individual who uses AAC.

HOW?

1. Point to pictures as you talk. The student just observes and is not expected to repeat.

2. You do not need to find a picture for every word spoken. For example, “Do you want to eat?” You point to “want” and “eat”.

3. When he indicates something nonverbally, show him the picture that communicates intent. For example, say “Do you need help?” as you point to the picture of “help”.

4. Talk and point to pictures that show what the child is hearing, seeing, doing and expressing with body language.

5. When he points at pictures to tell you something – acknowledge and expand his message. Don’t ask him to expand the message, just show him how to expand.

6. Use short, concise language, speak slowly, pause in conversation and use lots of repetition.

7. Model different types of language functions – comments, questions, greetings, etc.

Chart comparing typical language learners versus Language of people who use AAC. 4000-6000: number of words typically developing child hears per day How many words do you model on the device each day? 500: number of times a child hears those first words before he/she says it 50-150: number of times a word was modeled before the child started using independently 1 year: how long we immerse in language before we expect to hear a word. Immediately: how long before we often expect the child to use the device independently 36,500: the number of HOURS typical 9-12 year old has been exposed to and immersed in oral language (Korsten, 2011) 701: Number of YEARS, at twice a week, for 20-30 minutes, that it would take for a child to obtain the same amount of language immersion on his/her device, as the 9-12 year olds (Korsten, 2011)

More information on how to model and related research.

https://www.assistiveware.com/learn-aac/start-modeling

https://saltillo.com/images/putting-aided-language-into-practice-aac-putting-aided-language-to-practice-handout.pdf

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