Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is an evidence based strategy for teaching an AAC user about their system and how to use it. ALS provided a visual model for communication using the AAC system.
Here are some simple steps to use this strategy:
- Select an interactive activity or routine that brings joy to your child. For example, your child may love books, music, swinging, or PlayDoh.
- Provided repeated exposure to words that are meaningful to your child. For example, if your child enjoys swinging you could provide ALS and model words such as ‘push’, ‘up’, ‘down’, ‘stop’ and ‘swing’. While you say the word, model the word on their device as well.
- Don’t expect your child to use the word on the device right away after you provide the model. Instead, provide the model and then the resulting response to the word. There is no need to prompt the child to use the word. This is an opportunity to show your child how their system works.