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Aided Language Stimulation, also called aided language modeling or AAC modeling, is a strategy where communication partners point to symbols on an AAC system while speaking naturally to the individual who uses AAC. Just as hearing children learn to talk by being surrounded by spoken language, AAC users learn to use their systems by seeing others use them. A parent might say 'I want more juice' while pointing to 'I,' 'want,' 'more,' and 'juice' on the child's communication board or device. Research shows that consistent modeling — across settings and communication partners — significantly increases an AAC user's ability to communicate independently. Modeling does not require the child to imitate; the goal is language exposure, just like talking to a baby before they can speak back.
Families who model on their child's AAC device see faster progress. This strategy should be part of every speech therapy plan for AAC users, whether funded through school services or HCBS waivers.