AAC is very useful for developing language - vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Click here to know more about What is the difference between using AAC for communication vs language development?


AAC for language development:


The purpose of language development is to help the child acquire the rules and structures of language (e.g., vocabulary, grammar, syntax, semantics) while using AAC.


The Focus here is to build the foundations of expressive and receptive language. This can be achieved by teaching the child to form sentences, understand word meanings, and engage in conversations using AAC as a tool.

  • Focusing on expanding their ability to combine words or symbols (e.g., "I want ball" instead of just "ball")


Examples of Goals:

  • Developing sentence-building skills (e.g., combining "want" + "cookie").
  • Expanding vocabulary and understanding of word categories (e.g., animals, colors).
  • Understanding grammar concepts like plurals, tenses, or pronouns through AAC.



Strategies

Here are some strategies and approaches that help in developing language:

  1. Teach Core Words
    Core words help start expanding communication beyond single words, by grouping words together. It also helps understand the concept through generalization. Click here to know more about What are Core words? 

    FAQ: What are core words? 

    Avaz FAQ: What core words to teach?

    FAQ: How to teach core words during daily activities?

    FAQ: Core word posters (how to use core words in activities of daily life)

  2. Expansions and Extensions - How to use expansions and extensions to develop language?
  3. Self talk and parallel talk - How to do Self talk and Parallel talk? 
  4. Shared reading with the child - How to do Shared reading?
  5. Build descriptive language-  How to build descriptive language?
  6. Teach prepositions - How to teach the concept of prepositions?


Related articles:

Avaz blog: How to use Expansion and Extension strategies for building language ?

Avaz FAQ: What are core words? 

Avaz FAQ: What core words to teach?

Avaz FAQ: How to teach core words during daily activities?

Avaz FAQ: Core word posters (how to use core words in activities of daily life)

Article: Using Expansions and Extensions to grow your child's language (Source: internet - Courtesy : Becca Jarzynski (M.S., CCC-SLP)

Article - Language Expansions vs Extensions  (Source: Internet, Courtesy: Kevin Stuckey, M.Ed., CCC-SLP