Quick TipTuesday: 3 Helpful Tips for Reducing Tantrums in New AAC Users
Ever wonder how it would feel if you couldn't communicate?
Remember a time when you got sick and lost your voice? How frustrated were you every time you tried to talk until it came back? Now think about how it would feel for that to be a consistent issue throughout your everyday life. Oftentimes, our AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users are either non-verbal or minimally verbal. This means not only do they have trouble getting their basic wants and needs met, but they also can’t communicate across the wide range of functions we use all day, every day. Think about it—communication isn’t just asking for water or food. We use it for greetings and farewells (“Good morning!”), to request things (“I’d like a medium coffee, please”), to protest or reject (“No cream or sugar”), to ask questions (“What’s my total?”), to comment (“I love the new seasonal cups!”), to request recurrence (“Can I have more napkins, please?”), and so much more. You get the point! So, when we’re introducing AAC to new users, it’s important to give them grace and focus on teaching functional language that empowers them.
Remember: Increased communication typically leads to decreased frustration and therefore decreased tantrums!
3 ways to work on functional language, to ultimately reduce tantrums, using AAC:
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Work on asking for help!
→ /help me/
→ /help open/
→ /I need help/
2. Work on asking for more!
→ /more/
→ /more iPad/
→ /one more minute/
3. Work on asking for a break!
→ /stop/
→ /all done/
→ /I need break/
Remember: The goal isn’t to eliminate frustration overnight, but to equip our AAC users with the tools and confidence to express themselves. As communication grows, frustration typically shrinks, making for happier kids and less stressful environments for families and caregivers.
Final Thoughts
Learning to use AAC is a journey—for the child and for their communication partners. There will be challenges, but also so many moments of joy as your child discovers the power of their own voice.
By starting with functional words, modeling without pressure, and celebrating all communication attempts, you’re giving your child the tools they need to be heard. And remember: as communication increases, frustration decreases—leading to fewer tantrums and more meaningful interactions.
For More Information
For more information about speech, AAC, ABA, or feeding services, contact Elevate Health & Therapeutic Services at (856) 492-1355, or email us at info@elevatehealthnj.com. Visit our social media for fun insights about our clinic below!