Month: October 2025

So much of AAC instruction focuses on requesting, labeling, or sentence-building. These are important, but if we want students to connect with peers, we must also model greetings, jokes, comments, and conversation starters. Think:

• “Hi, what’s your name?”
• “That’s funny!”
• “Can I play too?”
• “Cool shirt!”

Use the student’s device to model these during real-life social moments — recess, snack time, group projects — and encourage others to do the same.

Pro Tip: Customize the device to have pre-programmed social buttons that are easily accessed. Modify the social page to contain socially appropriate phrases for the student’s age.

Include Emotion and Personality

AAC users need vocabulary that reflects who they are — not just what they need. I always encourage programming in favourite TV shows, silly phrases, personal opinions (“That’s boring!” or “I love pizza!”), and emojis or slang. Social connection grows when students can share themselves authentically.

Celebrate All Communication

Whether it’s a gesture, a glance at a symbol, or a full sentence from a device, all communication matters. Peers will follow the lead of the adults around them. When we slow down, give wait time, and treat AAC as a valid and natural form of interaction, we set the tone for inclusive friendship-building.

Check out some AAC Friendly Social Games to play and tips for success:

AAC Social Games – blog post (1)