Aided language stimulation

Also called ALS, Aided language input, Aided modelling, Partner-augmented input

You point to the symbols as you talk. The person sees their own system in use, hundreds of times, before anyone asks them to use it.

What it is

Aided language stimulation is talking with your finger on the person's communication system as you speak. You say "we're going OUT", and as you say "out" you touch OUT on the board or device. That's it. The word comes out of your mouth and the symbol lights up under your hand, at the same moment, in the same sentence.

It is the AAC version of what every speaking child gets for free: thousands of hours of hearing the language before producing a word of it. Nobody expects a baby to talk after two demonstrations. An AAC system is a new language, and the person learning it needs the same flood of examples.

Who it can help

Anyone beginning with symbol-based communication, at any age. It is as useful for an adult after a stroke meeting a board for the first time as it is for a three-year-old. It matters most in the first year with a system, when the person is deciding whether the thing is worth the effort.

It is less central for a fluent text user who already reads and types; they need faster access, not more modelling. And it doesn't replace a proper vocabulary: you can only model words that are on the system.

How it works

You don't model every word. You pick one or two per sentence, usually the core words: more, go, stop, help, want, not, like, different. Say the whole sentence naturally and touch the key words. "I WANT a drink." "That's NOT it." "Let's GO."

Model slightly above where the person is. If they use single symbols, model two-word phrases. If they combine two, model three. Aim for it to be constant and unremarkable, part of how you talk rather than a lesson. The research measures modelling in exposures, and the numbers are large: hundreds of models a week, not a few.

The person doesn't have to do anything. That is the point of modelling without expectation: you're demonstrating, not testing.

Getting started

Put the system within your reach at the three times of day you talk most: meals, getting dressed, bedtime. If it lives in a bag, it doesn't get modelled.

Choose five core words for this week. Write them on a sticky note on the fridge. Model each one every time it comes up naturally, and don't worry about the rest. Next week add five more.

The Talk board works for this straight away: open it on a phone or tablet, leave it on the table and touch the card as you say the word. It speaks the word too, so the person hears the device's voice attached to the meaning.

Where to get help

Your speech and language therapist can show you which words to model first and film you doing it. The ACE Centre publishes free modelling guidance and runs parent courses. Communication Matters has plain-language resources on getting started with modelling at home and in class.