Cosmic Shift
Answer 8 quick Yes/No questions about your current AAC practices.
Our AI will analyze your responses to find a single, impactful area for growth.
Receive a personalized commitment—one small change to shift towards more joyful, user-led communication.
What does user-led communication look like?
👆Modeling
"As you say 'I see a dog,' you might just touch the 'dog' button on the AAC system. You don't have to model every word you say."
💬Narrating
"While playing, you say 'This is fun!' and model 'fun' on the device, connecting language to the shared experience. It's crucial that the user feels that you are LISTENING and WANT TO KNOW what they are thinking. Use body language and tone that show interest and curiosity."
⏳Waiting
"Wait longer than is comfortable. Hold back on prompting, as some users need 10, 15, even 30 seconds or more to process what you've said and form a response."
🧐Observing
"Pay attention to what the user is looking at or doing. Their actions and gaze are forms of communication. Think about what that behavior or message might be indicating. Are they pointing to something? Reaching for an object? Follow their lead."
👂Listening
"Listen with your whole body. This means not just hearing words, but noticing body language, facial expressions, and sounds. Show you're engaged by nodding, smiling, and making eye contact."
➕Expanding
"When the user communicates a word, e.g., 'car,' you can expand on it by modeling 'Go car!' or 'fast car' on the AAC system. This should show them how to build bigger sentences without any pressure."
A Gentle Reminder
This one may take some "unlearning"! You can do it!
Responses from the AAC user should never be insisted upon. There should be no 'correct' answer you're looking for—just enjoy the interaction, like you might do when reading a storybook with a toddler. Remember, people don't communicate because they are told to or because it's demanded. Demands can backfire and make them avoid using the AAC or interacting with you.
Are you starting with a more compliance-based or joy-based interaction style?
What this tool does: This quiz helps you see if your interaction style leans toward demand or compliance-based or learner led.
How to use it: Read each question. Answer "yes" or "no." Please be honest about how you really interact, not how you think you should act so you get an accurate picture of your starting point.