Attention & Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems

October marks AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Awareness Month, a perfect time to reflect on how we support AAC users. We’ve teamed up with Meaningful Speech team member and AAC specialist, Laura Hayes who is also the instructor of both our new Beginner’s Guide to AAC & Gestalt Language Processing and our more in-depth AAC for Gestalt Language Processors course to discuss a common concern from professionals and caregivers. We often hear concerns that a child isn’t "attending" to their AAC system because they aren’t looking at it when modeling or pressing buttons. However, it’s crucial to understand that just because a child isn’t making eye contact with the device doesn’t mean they aren’t paying attention.

Understanding the Autistic Experience

Autistic individuals often process eye contact and visual input differently from neurotypical (allistic) individuals. Eye contact may not be a natural or comfortable form of interaction for many autistic people, and focusing on eye contact alongside other tasks—like listening to spoken language or following along with an AAC device—can be overwhelming. For some, the sensory intensity of making eye contact can interfere with their ability to focus on the actual communication happening.

Research has shown that autistic individuals process and respond to eye contact differently from their neurotypical peers. They may struggle with dividing attention between looking at an AAC system and engaging with a communication partner. Therefore, when an AAC user isn’t looking at their device or making eye contact during communication, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of interest or engagement.

Move Beyond Eye Contact

Rather than viewing eye contact or direct focus on the device as indicators of attention, we need to shift our understanding of how autistic individuals communicate. There are many ways to engage with an AAC system that don’t involve looking directly at the device. For example, a child may be listening, processing, or absorbing the language you’re modeling, even if they aren’t looking at the symbols as you select them.

Here’s what we can do instead of focusing on eye contact or device attention:

1. Presume Competence: Always assume that the AAC user is listening and processing the information being modeled. Just because they aren’t looking at the device doesn’t mean they aren’t learning from the language being presented.
2. Model in Context: Use the AAC device in meaningful contexts and everyday experiences. The more meaningful the language being modeled, the more likely it is to resonate with the child, even if they aren’t directly engaging with the device at that moment.
3. Provide Wait Time: Sometimes, AAC users need extra time to process what’s being modeled and interact with or initiate on their device. By offering ample wait time, you’re giving them this time they might need. 
4. Track Subtle Responses: Pay attention to how the child responds before, during, and after language modeling on the device. They may show understanding through subtle cues like body language, facial expressions, or gestures that may not involve using the device directly. Tracking these responses can provide insight into how they are engaging with the AAC system, even if it’s not immediately obvious.
5. Honor All Communication Forms: Remember, communication goes beyond the AAC device. If a child gestures, uses spoken language, or uses body language, acknowledge their message and honor it. We can honor a child’s chosen mode of communication while modeling another. For instance, if a child gestures to go outside, you might acknowledge that by modeling “Okay! Let’s go outside” while also modeling it on their device. This validates their communication while modeling use of the AAC system without expectation. 

Gestalt Language Processors & AAC Support 

Supporting AAC users, particularly those who are gestalt language processors, requires a holistic approach. We need to move away from rigid expectations of eye contact and device engagement and instead focus on fostering meaningful communication in ways that work for the individual. By presuming competence, modeling language naturally, honoring all forms of communication, and understanding that attention can be shown in different ways,  we create an environment where AAC users feel supported and empowered to communicate.

We highly recommend enrolling in our free Beginner’s Guide to AAC and Gestalt Language Processing to learn more about how you can support gestalt language processors with robust AAC systems. The guide is 45-minutes and covers foundational information to get you started. If you’re ready to dive deeper, consider enrolling in our more in-depth course on AAC for Gestalt Language Processors. This course will teach you how to identify, evaluate, and support gestalt language processors (GLPs) who currently communicate using AAC or who you think may benefit from AAC.

Want to learn more in-depth information about how to support gestalt language processors?

1. There are many free podcasts, webinars and articles to get you started. A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on our website. We just released a new FREE masterclass on echolalia and child-led therapy that is perfect for anyone starting their learning journey or on the fence about purchasing our courses! 
2. Consider taking the Meaningful Speech course to learn more about how your child or client processes language, how you can help support them from echolalia to self-generated (original flexible) language, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Looking for something shorter? We have a 1-hour introductory course perfect for extended family, daycare or school staff.
3. Consider taking our AAC + Gestalt Language Processing course. It will teach you how to identify, evaluate and support gestalt language processors who use AAC or who you think might benefit from AAC.
4. Look for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who "gets it" and can help you in supporting your child's language development. Check out our registry for SLPs who understand gestalt language processing and child-led therapy.
5. Are you a school-based or private practice clinician looking for intake forms for new clients/students or creative visual reminder posters for your space? Check out the Meaningful Speech Marketplace. 
6. Want to learn more about starting a niche private practice? Watch our 1-hour webinar on starting a niche private practice hosted by Alex Zachos and Jess Teixeira from the Meaningful Speech team HERE.