Helping Your Child Use Their New Speech-Generating Device: Practical Tips for Families 💬💛

Getting a speech-generating device (SGD) is an exciting milestone in a child’s communication journey. It can bring up a mix of emotions - excitement, relief, and even a little overwhelm. Whether your child is just beginning to explore their device or you’re a few weeks in, here are some tips from our speech therapists to help support and encourage them as they grow into their new voice:

💬 Model, Model, Model!

One of the most powerful things you can do is model use of the device during daily routines. That means pressing buttons and building simple messages as you talk - without expecting your child to imitate. Just like toddlers learn language by listening, children learning alternative augmentative communication (AAC) benefit from seeing their device used naturally and consistently.

📱 Keep It Close

An SGD only works when it’s available! Make it a habit to bring the device everywhere your child goes-mealtimes, bedtime, errands, playground, school, daycare, grandparent's house. If it’s treated like a part of them (like their voice!), it becomes part of everyday communication.

💛 Personalize Their Device

Make their device theirs! Add names of friends, pets, family members, favorite toys, foods, and characters. The more meaningful and relevant the vocabulary, the more likely your child will want to use it. 👉 Reminder: Be sure to add custom words in the appropriate folders to keep things organized as they grow.

👀 Allow Exploration

Don’t worry if your child starts exploring their device by pressing the same buttons over and over pressing buttons without clear intent or meaning. That’s normal! Exploration is a natural and necessary part of learning. It’s their way of getting comfortable with their voice.

💬 Celebrate All Communication

Speech, gestures, signs, facial expressions, device use - it’s all communication! Every effort your child makes to connect with others is valuable. Celebrate those attempts and let them know you’re listening and responding, no matter how the message is shared.

🧠 Be Patient and Stay Encouraging

Learning to use an AAC device is a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Keep modeling, encouraging, and offering lots of opportunities to communicate throughout the day. Your support and consistency are key!

📚 Use It in Play and Routine

The best practice happens during real life! Use the device to choose a snack, play with a favorite toy, reading a books, or greeting friends. When AAC is integrated into fun, familiar moments, learning happens naturally.

If you ever feel stuck or unsure how to support your child, you’re not alone. We are here to help you every step of the way.