--- title: The Power of Relationships in AAC Communication description: Learn effective teacher strategies and tips for supporting multi-modal communicators in speech therapy. image: https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-03-13%20174651.png --- [![SSG Group Brand](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/TheSteppingStonesGroup_February2021/images/SSG_logo.png?width=1640&height=421&name=SSG_logo.png "SSG Group Brand")](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Home](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Careers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/) - [Search Open Jobs](https://jobs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/) - [Quick Apply](https://steppingstones.careercenter.smartsearch.plus/registration/) - [Transforming Support](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/professional-development/) - [Travel & Transform](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/travel/) - [Refer a friend](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/careers/referral-program/) - [Parents](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/parents/) - [Schools](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/schools/) - [Telepractice](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/telepractice/) - [Referrers](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/referrers/) - [About SSG](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/about/) - [Our Services](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/services/) - [Our Story](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/) - [Meet Our Team](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/our-story/#leadership_team) - [Contact](https://thesteppingstonesgroup.com/contact/) ![](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-03-13%20174651.png) # The Power of Relationships in AAC Communication Wed, Mar 19, 2025 As an AAC specialist for a school district in Southern California, I've had the privilege of witnessing how augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can enhance not just educational outcomes, but also personal relationships.   One particularly heartwarming case involves a high school couple in an extensive support needs classroom—Johnny (an AAC user) and Sally (a non-AAC user). What makes this case so remarkable is how Johnny's motivation to communicate has flourished through his relationship with Sally. His AAC device usage has increased significantly when interacting with his girlfriend. Johnny skillfully navigates between quick-fire messages and thoughtfully typed communications using his keyboard, demonstrating how meaningful social connections can be powerful motivators for communication development. Communication Through Connection - **Gaining Attention:** Johnny initiates interactions with phrases like "Hey" or "Look at this." - **Offering Affection:** He expresses feelings with messages like "I like your hair" and "You make me smile." - **Asking Questions:** His curiosity drives conversations through questions about Sally's interests and experiences. - **Telling Jokes:** Johnny programs and shares humor specifically to make Sally laugh. Teacher Support Strategies Their classroom teacher facilitates communication by ensuring Johnny's device is charged and accessible, optimizing seating to promote their interaction, providing extended wait time when Johnny wants to contribute, and encouraging Sally to occasionally model vocabulary on Johnny's device, when appropriate. Tips for SLPs Working with Multi-modal Communicators 1. **Honor Age-Appropriate Interests:** Support communication topics that reflect teens' social development, including their romantic relationships. 2. **Embrace Natural Communication:** Allow flexibility for spontaneous exchanges, even when they interrupt planned activities. 3. **Measure Functional Progress:** Focus on communicative attempts in natural settings, client satisfaction, and communication functions. 4. **Include Students in Customization:** Involve AAC users in personalizing vocabulary, layout, and voice output, whenever possible. Johnny and Sally's relationship demonstrates how genuine connection drives communication development. Real social connections motivate AAC users to communicate more frequently and effectively. Their story reminds us that in both love and communication, actions truly speak louder than words.   *Author: Alex Redfern, M.S., CCC-SLP* Tags: [AAC](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/aac), [AAC communication](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/aac-communication), [Communication development in autism](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/communication-development-in-autism), [Multi-modal communicators](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/multi-modal-communicators), [AAC device usage](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/aac-device-usage), [Supporting AAC users](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/tag/supporting-aac-users) [Back to Blog](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com) Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The content is based on the author's personal experiences, research, and opinions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified professional or expert before making any decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this blog. ## Related Articles ##### [Is Your Classroom Ready for Students Who Use AAC?](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/your-new-aac-ally-might-be-sitting-a-few-desks-away) A student who uses a speech-generating device sits at a busy station with three of their classmates. [Read More](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/your-new-aac-ally-might-be-sitting-a-few-desks-away) ##### [Evaluating the Bilingual Student](https://blogs.thesteppingstonesgroup.com/evaluating-the-bilingual-student) The United States has experienced a significant increase in the number of students with cultural,... 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