How to Support Communication at Home With or Without a Device

Whether your child uses an AAC device, is learning to talk, or communicates through limited verbal communication, there are powerful ways to support their language development right at home. Communication is more than just speech—it’s connection, expression, and understanding. This blog offers practical, everyday strategies you can use to build your child’s communication skills, no matter where they are on their journey.

1. Talk About What You’re Doing (Narrate Your Day)

Children learn language by hearing it in action. As you go about your day, narrate what you’re doing:

• “I’m cutting your sandwich.”

• “Let’s put on your shoes.”

• “You’re opening the door!”

This helps build vocabulary and shows your child that words are connected to actions and objects in real life.

2. Use Repetition & Routines

Repeating key phrases during familiar routines helps your child connect words to meaning. For example:

• At mealtime: “Eat,” “More,” “All done.”

• During bath time: “Wash,” “Splash,” “Towel.”

• When playing: “Go,” “Stop,” “Turn.”

Whether spoken or selected on an AAC device, repetition in daily routines builds confidence and understanding.

3. Pause to Give Them a Turn

It’s natural to fill in the silence when your child doesn’t respond right away—but try pausing for 5–10 seconds after you ask a question or make a comment. This gives them space to respond with a word, gesture, sign, or a button press on their AAC device.

4. Model, Don’t Pressure

Instead of asking your child to repeat words or “say it,” simply model the word you’d like them to learn. For example:

• Instead of “Say juice,” try “Juice? Let’s get juice!” while pointing or using the device.

Over time, your child will begin to imitate naturally.

5. Follow Their Lead

Watch what your child is interested in and talk about that. If they’re playing with blocks, say things like “Build,” “Up,” or “Crash!”

Communication starts with engagement—and engagement starts with interest.

6. Use Visuals and Gestures

Pointing, signing, using pictures, and even showing real objects are all great ways to support language. These are especially helpful for children who are just beginning to use words or AAC.

7. Celebrate All Attempts at Communication

Whether it’s a word, a gesture, a look, or a tap on a screen—acknowledge and celebrate every effort your child makes to express themselves. Encouragement builds confidence, and confidence builds communication.

You don’t need to be a speech therapist to support your child’s communication—you just need to be present, intentional, and patient. Whether your child uses an AAC device, gestures, or is beginning to talk, you are their first and most important communication partner.

At Autism Axis Network, we’re here to provide tools, resources, and support to guide you every step of the way.

Like, share and follow us for more content like this.