Tips for talking to someone who uses AAC

  • Predicting the end of their sentences may seem to be useful, but some AAC users don’t like you doing so, where others don’t mind.
  • After the person is finish communicating, repeat back to them what you understood.
  • Don’t presume they don’t mind you watching what they are typing on their AAC device, even though they may be talking directly with you.
  • Wait before you respond, allow the person to finish what they are communicating.
  • If you are guessing what the person is communicating, check back with them if you have guessed correctly.
  • Silence should not be feared.
  • Discover how the person communicates, ‘yes’ and ‘no’.
  • Tell the person, if you don’t understand something that they have said.
  • Discover other methods of communication the person may use.
  • Never pretend you have understood what they are saying when you haven’t.