Have you ever noticed your child uses their QuickTalker a little less when life gets busy?

Maybe you’re getting ready for a move, traveling to visit family, welcoming someone home, starting a new routine, or just juggling a lot all at once.

If you’ve noticed your child isn’t using their AAC as much during these times, you’re not imagining it.

Big transitions can be overwhelming. When our kids are putting so much energy into adjusting to everything happening around them, communication is often one of the first things to take a back seat. That doesn’t mean they’re forgetting how to use their AAC or losing the progress they’ve made. They’re simply doing the hard work of adapting.

Keep Your Expectations Gentle🔗

If communication looks a little different for a few days, or even a couple of weeks, that’s okay. Instead of encouraging more words, focus on making communication feel easy and successful. Sometimes a single word is exactly what’s needed.

Teach Words for What They’re Feeling🔗

During stressful times, the most important words aren’t always favorite foods or toys.

Try modeling words like:

• Help
• Break
• Stop
• Wait
• All done
• Hug
• Mad
• Sad
• Tired

When kids have a way to tell us how they’re feeling, those tough moments often become a little easier for everyone.

Pair AAC With Calming Moments🔗

Communication and regulation go hand in hand.

If your child has favorite calming activities, model language while you’re doing them together.

You might use their QuickTalker during:

• Swing time
• Quiet time in a cozy corner
• Wearing headphones
• Playing with a favorite fidget
• Snuggling under a favorite blanket
• Reading a favorite book

Instead of saying, “Use your words,” try showing them the words while helping their body feel calm and safe.

Remember: Progress Isn’t Lost🔗

Stress doesn’t erase communication skills.
Once life settles down and your child starts feeling more comfortable again, you’ll often see their communication come right back.

Mission Ready Tip: During big transitions, don’t worry about modeling lots of language. Sometimes showing just one word, like help, break, or all done, at the moment it’s needed can make the biggest difference.