Transitioning from one activity or setting to another serves as a valuable opportunity for incorporating high-tech AAC. Using AAC during transitions can reduce anxiety, build communication skills, foster independence, and support regulation!

Using AAC During Transitions🔗

Transitioning between activities and locations can cause disruption to your AAC user’s day. Here are some strategies for lowering stress and encouraging independence during transitions. In all of the examples, the capitalized words are words you can model while you discuss with your user.

Discuss Next Steps🔗

When transitioning, use the AAC device to discuss where they are going next and what to expect when they arrive.

• Talk about locations: “We’re GOing to GYM class! WHAT are you excited to PLAY?”

Acknowledge Feelings🔗

Encourage individuals to use AAC to express how they feel.

• “I’m NOT ready.”
• “I’m EXCITED!”
• “I need a BREAK”

Validate their experiences and feelings by acknowledging their emotions. You can also dive deeper intot his topic by reading Teaching Emotions Using AAC Devices.

Prepare User to Transition🔗

Remind the user with the AAC device that the transition is coming soon, giving them reminders at set times.

• “Okay, we have FIVE minutes left before snack time!”

Add a Visual Schedule🔗

If possible, add a visual schedule to the AAC device and use it to help the user understand what’s finished and what’s next. You could also place a schedule on the user’s desk or on the wall!

Establish Consistent Routines🔗

Use the same transition phrases on the device or set a timer to indicate each transition as consistency helps reduce anxiety.

• “Let’s GO!”
• “NAP TIME”

Practice Carrying the Device🔗

The AAC device should travel with the user throughout transitions when possible. Practice using shoulder straps or an accessible backpack.

Model Transition Phrases🔗

Consistently model useful phrases to encourage AAC users to communicate during transition times. Target phrases include:

• “Clean UP”
• “ALL DONE”
• “Time to GO”
• “It’s TIME for __”
• “Line UP”
• “WHAT’S next?”

Role-Play Transitions🔗

Practice upcoming transitions through role-play, especially for new or challenging ones, to help individuals learn the vocabulary and routine in advance. Include community settings so AAC users feel more comfortable in unfamiliar places.

• “Okay, we have to go to the DOCTOR at 12 p.m. At 11 a.m. we will get ready to leave. What is the FIRST step you should take to get ready to leave the HOUSE?”

Keep Practicing! 🔗

Incorporating AAC devices into transitions helps individuals participate more fully in their daily activities. With consistent modeling and support, AAC can empower users to communicate their needs, make choices, and move confidently through each part of their day.