WOW + Pause

Official title: Generalization (SLP terminology: Aided language stimulation  with expectant pause)

Word of the Week: Adding an expectation

Goal

Encourage their engagement in communication.

How

Their turn! Set up your WOW planning just as before, but now add in an expectant pause. Model the WOW, create a communication opportunity, then pause! If they use AAC independently, celebrate by enthusiastically repeating the word after they activated, pointed to, or signed it. This gives one more repetition of that word through validation instead of saying “good job” or “you did it!” which can be more effective at teaching this new skill. If they don’t communicate following your model, that’s ok! Just keeping modeling.

Context

Use this strategy with AAC users who are starting to show interest in their AAC system and may be attempting AAC on their own. This timeline is different for everyone!

Tip

Be patient & flexible. If they press the wrong button or the sign is not perfect, that’s ok! If this happens, model communication that fits the context one more time.

‍