What is AAC?
When to consider?
Assessment
- Information Gathering
  - Current Communication Skills
  - Access
    - Direct Selection
    - Indirect Selection
- Decision Making
Trials
Implementation
Evidence Based Practices
Teaching Strategies
Transition
- Person-centered Planning
Resources

Wait Time

Using AAC to communicate takes time! Communication partners need to provide adequate time for the AAC user to process what was said, have their turn in the conversation, formulate what they want to say, and then compose their message.

This resource from AssistiveWare, Do's and Don'ts of AAC Wait Time, provides tips for how to effectively utilize wait time as a teaching strategy when working with AAC users.

In this article by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Why Give People Who Use AAC More Communication Time, the author shares about the benefit of not rushing AAC users and allowing up to 45 seconds of wait time for them to formulate a message.

Keep in mind the Prompt Hierarchy (introduced in the Trials section) when planning for wait time.

AAC Prompt Hierarchy, VCU-RRTC-Autism Center for Education
Infographic Description for AAC Prompt Hierarchy