Tips for talking to someone who uses AAC

  • Predicting the end of a sentence is not always helpful.
  • After the person is finished communicating, repeat back to them what you understood.
  • Don’t presume it is OK to watch what someone is typing to you on their AAC device.
  • Wait before you respond, allow the person to finish what they are communicating.
  • Guessing what someone is communicating can be distracting and unhelpful.
  • If you have to guess, always check that 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.