Communicative Functions: An Interdisciplinary Glossary
Different disciplines often use different words to refer to the same concepts. This can lead to confusion when collaborating as a team. We’re here to help!
ABA Term | 
SLP Term |
Mand | Request |
Client says “help” on their AAC device to ask for assistance with their shoes. | |
Tact | Label |
Client says “ball” on their AAC device while doing a picture naming activity. | |
Intraverbal | Answering “Wh-” questions (i.e. Who, What, Where, When) or using Cloze Procedure (i.e. fill-in-the-blank). |
Client says “mom” on their AAC device when asked, “Who lives at your house?” Client says “round” on their AAC device when a communication partner says, “The wheels on the bus go round and ______.” | |
Echoic | Direct Imitation |
Client says “I am 4” on their AAC device after a communication partner modeled the same button. | |
Protest | Protest |
Client says “No!” on their AAC device when it’s time to put a toy away. | |
Social Exchange | Comment |
Child says “bird” on their AAC device when they spot a bird in the sky while on a walk. | |
When working with AAC users, we want to make sure we are modeling all communicative functions!
If you have questions about SLP terminology or about implementing AAC with your client, your client’s SLP can help! Our SLP Empowerment team is also here to answer any questions you have, big or small!
