{"id":83,"date":"2023-12-11T16:23:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T16:23:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/?page_id=83"},"modified":"2026-07-30T15:41:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T15:41:58","slug":"i-asc-explanatory-model-of-aac-decision-making-child-characteristics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/i-asc-explanatory-model-of-aac-decision-making-child-characteristics\/","title":{"rendered":"Child characteristics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;min-height:145px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-palette-color-1-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-palette-color-3-color has-text-color has-x-large-font-size\" id=\"child-characteristics\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0;letter-spacing:1px\"><strong>Child Characteristics<\/strong><\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"><br>The breakdown of the I-ASC explanatory model shows a range of factors that should be considered in AAC decision making. These child characteristics include physical abilities, intrinsic traits, and factors related to the child&#8217;s experiences with AAC over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-scaled.png\" alt=\"The 'Child characteristics' cog is highlighted within 'Competing considerations' section of the I-ASC Explanatory Model of AAC decision making.\" class=\"wp-image-299\" style=\"width:473px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/321\/sites\/346\/2026\/07\/1-2048x2048.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"t\">The elements that make up &#8216;Child characteristics&#8217; are explained below &#8211; click on each heading to learn more<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-small-font-size\"><em>Please note: In this section, the term \u201cchild\u201d is used broadly and may refer to an AAC user of any age. <em>The original study was conducted with children and young people, however we have had considerable feedback that with a little modification of the content provided, there is relevance to individuals across their lifespan. We encourage you to consider minor adaptations to better suit your\u00a0context.\u00a0<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tAge\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-72ae5018d8f311137f0ddb7d654b9d9f\">This refers to the child\u2019s actual age in years. It may be different from their current level of development or what they are able to do. This research suggests that people often compare a child\u2019s chronological age with their developmental level. This comparison can shape expectations about the child\u2019s current progress and what they may achieve in the future.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59103a6795d6693fd843265457a0fbd0\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>A detailed assessment of a person\u2019s language and communication skills is an important part of making recommendations. Using standardised assessment tools in combination with informal observation ensures a comprehensive understanding of what they can do.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-68aada870cbbb8e99fef537c28134e1b\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>For some children who need AAC, it helps to consider their chronological age. For example, following assessment an 8 year old child may have the language and communication skills closer to that of a 3 year old child. Ensuring the child\u2019s language opportunities are developmentally appropriate can help support their communication and language growth.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Consider the child\u2019s age when choosing the vocabulary system. It may be helpful to take a developmental perspective. Here you choose a system that offers a level of language that suits current abilities but also promotes the young person\u2019s development towards increased language complexity. <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>From the beginning, children require their AAC systems to be available across the day. Incidental opportunities for language learning happen at anytime and all the time.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">No matter the age, the young AAC user needs a plan to support them develop their AAC skills. Finding highly motivating communication opportunities will help them become more resilient in using any AAC system &#8211; all of them are more demanding than just &#8216;talking&#8217;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><\/p><p>All AAC users will grow up. It is helpful to think about what will work for them as they become adolescents &#8211; especially when choosing new vocabulary.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tAssumed abilities\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c9ad01228605fe791dfe9fe023e96ffc\">This considers how a child\u2019s abilities, interests and motivations are understood. Care should be taken to ensure these are explored accurately, as a child\u2019s abilities may be overestimated or underestimated.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c13b63f3d2dfa229ddb96054e8b899b6\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Gather all relevant information, including formal and informal assessments, before making decisions about a child\u2019s abilities. Understanding their comprehension of language is a key part.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ff39a6f3799af1952a54ecec83ebc973\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>If information is missing, it is important to think about how this could affect the decisions being made.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bedcdab281191430945888d67e4aa246\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Be mindful of assumed roles and responsibilities, and make sure expectations for each person are clearly explained. &nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-028bdda9b7f309bb815e30dfedabe70e\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Provide opportunities to discuss expectations and assumptions to ensure all&nbsp;information&nbsp;is collected and considered before making a recommendation.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tChild&#039;s preference\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-7ecfb4adb646e377b1bbcd7f1ac4bdd8\">This considers the child\u2019s views of communication systems or ways of communicating.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c0f695361e7d867cc5ac71ad75f19324\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Incorporate child and young person preferences and perspectives in the AAC assessment and ensure they are reflected in decision-making.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-58503c7cd80b049eeabf3f0a2684b101\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Identify what motivates the child to use technology, or to communicate in anyway they choose.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-252421370870d5a7f4c7843b1c2b78a4\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Check with the child or young person that you have understood their preferences correctly, and work together to support any differences in opinions.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5ad123811e31eadd719b65112cb6f1a\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Ensure communication aid trials are evaluated objectively so that child preferences are fully understood and inform decisions effectively.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tCognitive skills\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-7e6bda5121258d0d86267796eedbac35\">This characteristic considers information about the child\u2019s general cognitive skills, including attention, memory, focus, learning style, and insight. How these skills are viewed can influence decisions about what communication support is offered and when. I-ASC research findings suggest the need to understand the influence of cognition on communication.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-610223ef333d3232d388c99b5bc2c44c\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Introduce AAC as early as possible to support understanding and expressive language development.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7eb0e7c235f8b23cf5fd0e06590803df\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Use an appropriate standardised assessment to understand a child\u2019s cognitive abilities. This is particularly important when these skills affect what services or support they can access.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-afeb6f909e30d6c41275898fe87b7a50\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>While children are learning how to use AAC systems with higher cognitive demands, offer AAC scaffolding supports with lower operational demands. This will promote language and communication development.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69b12dd010b158c9ae08ad63493202ec\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Think about both the limits and the learning opportunities offered by the graphic representation system you choose.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Try to use one type of graphic system to support learning and consistency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Only change the system if it better meets the individual child\u2019s needs.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Avoid making changes for reasons that are not linked to the child. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tCommunication ability\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-74192c51ba73befb5746d870c5972ccc\">Here, both aided and unaided communication abilities are considered. This includes communication using gestures, facial expressions, signs or speech, as well as communication using aids such as communication books or speech-generating devices. I-ASC research findings suggest that the child\u2019s communication abilities need to be considered across different contexts and when interacting with different people.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-571c126c3b1b25c9d6331d62ecab1bdb\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Find out how the child communicates in different places, such as at home, at school and in other settings.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f012bf2095aaaaeb40b746b51405c4ea\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Make sure any communication support or tools you recommend work well with how the family already communicates.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4d9c4758024664b103570008dc820a9d\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Find opportunities for the child or young person to learn how to use their AAC system, and support them to work towards agreed goals. &nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dcb872f7b38a1bc8e9fa1d1bf9d48209\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Identify how different ways of communicating (for example, speech, gestures, or AAC) are used and prioritised in different places, such as at home or at school.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Encourage the child or young person to communicate by using activities that interest and motivate them.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Help families understand the progress that can be made when the right AAC support is in place.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Use a range of communication methods (such as speech, signs or AAC) to support quick and natural social interactions.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>To avoid limiting children\u2019s opportunities to develop their AAC communication skills, they should not be required to show their communication ability before trying an AAC system as part of the recommendation process.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tDiagnosis\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-5e1f7de95ac8b2f1ad51d43ae8192b69\">This refers to any medical or speech and language diagnosis the child or young person may have. I\u2011ASC research suggests that a child\u2019s diagnosis can shape expectations about them. This can influence decisions about access to services, the type of system chosen, how it is accessed, and how vocabulary is organised.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6ebfd1520a0343ea20f68e21593441fb\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Think about the child or young person\u2019s speech, language and communication skills. Use any available information about their diagnosis to inform your decisions. For example, consider social communication in children with autism.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-64cc758726f59769d6cf9c18452fc26e\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Consider how other features linked to a diagnosis may affect communication. This may include physical skills, movement, sensory needs, and reflex responses.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-315ff152f1209cb6411e16ae67419690\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Use referral and diagnostic information to help plan which professionals should be involved in the AAC symbol communication assessment.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tExpectations and aspirations\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-2344f46ea23f812f8cdda97aef701239\">This describes the child\u2019s future journey with AAC. It includes likely needs, goals for AAC, hopes, and aspirations. I-ASC research findings suggest that expectations about the future can influence decisions about the support recommended now.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-069b4ff62287de0dc03e1542393c42a1\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Choose an AAC system that meets the child or young person\u2019s current needs and can also grow with them over time.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b2510c8d2ac7cac57122358991a6af8c\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Keep high expectations for all children and young people.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d1e363dcbf0ff54ea22df5ebd7984a7d\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>If progress has been slow, think about the communication opportunities they have had so far. Focus on how to improve future opportunities, rather than limiting expectations based on past progress.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73d3d68210d6cace51d9eb141b9816bf\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Support AAC recommendations with goal setting that aims to build communication skills across communication and learning contexts.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Include sufficient discussion and consensus building during the AAC assessment so that everyone agrees on shared goals and understands the plan.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><\/p><p>Intervention plans should support the child or young person to have frequent opportunities, in a range of situations, to communicate with different people.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Provide opportunities for children to see and learn from AAC role models, helping them to build confidence and positive expectations for themselves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tLinguistic level\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c4ac9b814059a6126ad93d925e1cead9\">This refers to the child or young person\u2019s current language skills, including their understanding and use of language, literacy and knowledge of graphic symbols. I-ASC findings suggest that there is often not enough detail at the time of assessment to clearly describe what the child understands and how they express themselves.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b6968fe039499aee112f3399f66ca3e6\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>All AAC assessments should include clear summaries of the child\u2019s language skills. These should be based on what has been observed and describe how much information they can understand in a sentence, or what concepts they can express using a sequence of related ideas. For example, graphic symbol sequence \/hot\/ + \/Cereal\/ = porridge.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3ba565d791808aeacde4227d8aa7448a\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Where possible, include results from formal (standardised) language assessments. These can be used as intended or adapted to describe the child\u2019s understanding and expression.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-25bf13f899b1c31e8f8b7570e1901871\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Professionals should work together to gather this information, rather than assuming it is the responsibility of one service.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aa78672563095f864f241b39d19e7202\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Where children\u2019s physical challenges impact on access to AAC vocabularies, ensure specific communication opportunities with lower physical access demands. For example, providing opportunities to use repeated line Social Scripts for social conversation or use partner assisted scanning.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Support the child to develop skills in choosing the best way to communicate for different situations and people. This is known as strategic competence.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><\/p><p>AAC goals should highlight language development and communication development as separate but complementary areas.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Provide drill and practice activities and real life opportunities to use and develop language and communication skills.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Provide AAC supports and strategies to facilitate literacy development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Keep high expectations for the child\u2019s language development and do not require them to show ability before they can access AAC learning opportunities.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tMotor abilities and operational competence\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-909c755a4ff90fd4bc94a40c07edd591\">This section includes consideration of physical skills, mobility and speech intelligibility (how clearly a child&#8217;s speech can be understood). The research findings suggest that a child&#8217;s motor and operational abilities (their physical skills and ability to use and navigate a communication aid) can influence which communication aid is recommended.<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-46324162b752e07da9c94425e29300d5\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Provide more time within learning opportunities for children with physical limitations so that they can actively participate.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9ea0209fcbbd9d207a42879de6a892b8\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Be aware that slower ways of accessing communication can affect motivation for both the child and their communication partner.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b6bd04e78c3313e96e486467540906fe\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Provide other communication opportunities that are fast and place less physical demand on children.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d7d0bd8c6a5ede16f7c960e2f4da0cf0\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Balance long-term aims for independent communication with how difficult a system may be to use. Supported or shared communication may be a helpful step.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>When access needs are complex, involve the right professionals and keep a strong focus on language and communication outcomes.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><\/p><p>Be mindful of team member preferences and aim to achieve consensus when choosing an access method.<\/p><p><\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Provide specific opportunities to develop access skills and provide separate language and communication learning opportunities.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Aim to gather as much information related to physical and visual skills as possible to avoid making decisions with information gaps.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Where setting up the AAC system takes time (e.g. such as with eye gaze systems), provide other AAC supports for spontaneous communication.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Offer opportunities to practise navigating the system outside of real conversations, so the child can focus on learning how it works.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tPersonality and temperament\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-4a69a53f0c2977926a3a6061ceedb2d3\">A child\u2019s personality and&nbsp;temperament,&nbsp;&nbsp;including&nbsp;things like what motivates them and what frustrates them play&nbsp;an important role&nbsp;when choosing a communication aid. The research shows that these traits are&nbsp;taken into account&nbsp;during the&nbsp;decision\u2011making&nbsp;process, and&nbsp;may influence how the child uses the aid.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-c0d4cb03b77363fd6ab8df9dcceeca33\">Building a child\u2019s confidence with AAC starts by helping them feel comfortable, motivated, and proud of their early communication attempts. You can strengthen their willingness to keep going by reducing frustration and creating plenty of positive experiences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53f546a2b0cded54456b513006ddd8c0\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><strong>Boosting confidence<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Support the child so they feel good about trying&nbsp;AAC, and&nbsp;encourage them to keep practising even when&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;challenging.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6737099e6b857fb687eef71d3d4da3d8\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><strong>Minimising frustration<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Introduce AAC demands gradually, so the child&nbsp;isn\u2019t&nbsp;overwhelmed.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-db03e1cc556368e103ae0ac66ecee74f\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><strong>Building motivation<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Give the child quick, early wins so they experience success and want to communicate more.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-67113cd4b5194ea1924ef2d334c6e277\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p><strong>Creating positive early experiences<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Make early intervention fun and rewarding, helping the child enjoy communicating and feel eager to do it again.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><strong>Understanding personality<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2014 Spend time during assessment getting to know the child\u2019s personality and preferences. Use this insight to shape recommendations and design AAC systems that feel personal and meaningful to them.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<details\n\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-details has-large-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-caret\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<summary\n\t\t\t\t background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);  style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-12, #28bdd2);\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tProgress and communication opportunities\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"icon icon-caret\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\"><path d=\"M310.6 246.6l-127.1 128C176.4 380.9 168.2 384 160 384s-16.38-3.125-22.63-9.375l-127.1-128C.2244 237.5-2.516 223.7 2.438 211.8S19.07 192 32 192h255.1c12.94 0 24.62 7.781 29.58 19.75S319.8 237.5 310.6 246.6z\"\/><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-18fa74472d0335e6dac2920f58ec7c98\"><strong>What does this term mean?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-95f26e58736dabe0e1dd81af5579014b\">Having a communication aid can&nbsp;open up&nbsp;new opportunities for a child because people often change how they interact with them once the aid is introduced. The research shows that many children&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from a longer trial period before a final recommendation is made. This gives them time to develop the skills needed to use the aid and lets professionals see how the child communicates in&nbsp;real\u2011life&nbsp;situations. These real interactions provide valuable practice and help inform recommendations based on genuine learning experiences, shaping future planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\" style=\"gap: 2px\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-10, #f48822)\">\n\t\t\t\tThings to consider\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ac1167d5a235866cb0a047d6c1feb68d\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Trial periods should be guided by strong formal and informal assessment.&nbsp;Keep the AAC system available at all times&nbsp;so the child can explore and&nbsp;practise, and&nbsp;avoid limiting use to certain settings.&nbsp;Provide&nbsp;communication opportunities regardless of skill level\u2014some children need more time, encouragement, and&nbsp;<strong>scaffolding<\/strong>&nbsp;to grow.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2677365924b1d2726732868f63d619e6\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Introduce AAC early and create structured chances to communicate with familiar partners. Set clear, objective goals for any loan period that reflect the child\u2019s learning style. Stay aware of service routines that may restrict AAC&nbsp;options, and&nbsp;offer&nbsp;<strong>peer mentoring<\/strong>&nbsp;when possible.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9b7f0faa314f08278f7c3f8e6c33b8ea\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Support both&nbsp;off\u2011line&nbsp;practice (building language skills) and&nbsp;on\u2011line&nbsp;practice (using AAC in real interactions with mixed communication methods).&nbsp;Provide&nbsp;varied communication opportunities\u2014questions, descriptions, jokes, stories\u2014and allow mistakes as part of learning.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4f4f17d0012b3e3d035754b423736fc7\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\"><p>Plan for the future: ensure the AAC system can grow with the child and remain available&nbsp;long\u2011term. Be clear about who has the&nbsp;expertise&nbsp;to support ongoing AAC development and who may need training.&nbsp;<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t<details class=\"wp-block-details has-medium-font-size is-layout-block is-icon-arrow\">\n\t\t\t<summary style=\"background-color: var(--theme-palette-color-11, #ffd85d)\">\n\t\t\t\tTools and materials\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a709712a wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-palette-color-3-color has-palette-color-10-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">Reading list to learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-093da601 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce155fab wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-c124d1c4 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-palette-color-3-color has-palette-color-11-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">Return to I-ASC Model and Materials<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The breakdown of the I-ASC explanatory model shows a range of factors that should be considered in AAC decision making. These child characteristics include physical abilities, intrinsic traits, and factors [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30020,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-83","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Child characteristics - IASC<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/satellite.mmu.ac.uk\/iasc\/i-asc-explanatory-model-of-aac-decision-making-child-characteristics\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Child characteristics - IASC\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The breakdown of the I-ASC explanatory model shows a range of factors that should be considered in AAC decision making. 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