Communicative Functions

Do you have a child that is an AAC user? How about a student who uses an AAC communication device? Learning about different communicative functions is key in becoming a better and more effective communicator. In this short video, I review some important functions with examples to get parents started!

Transcription below!
Slide 1: What are communicative functions?
There are so many ways we can communicate!
Let’s learn about some important functions to help your child communicate more efficiently.
Slide 2:
#1: Requesting: Kids love this one!
Requesting is motivating because you get something tangible in return. It’s also immediately reinforcing.
• Expand on requesting by modeling!
• Add in different concepts such as time or asking questions.
• Request someone or request an action.
Slide 3: I want to facetime grandma
Slide 4:
#2: Asking for help.
• Important function!
• Model “I need help” or “Help me”
Slide 5:
#3: Protesting
Protesting is usually via nonverbal communication. Kids can express this by shaking their head, pushing an object away, or crying.
• Teaching protesting on the talker.
• Model “don’t” and “no” in a short sentence. This will help with overall negative behaviors.
Slide 6:
#4: Initiating Communication
• No prompting
• Beginning an interaction
Slide 7:
#5: Greetings
Hello! How are you?
Slide 8:
#6: Sustaining conversation
Slide 9: Expressing Feelings
Expressing feelings is very important. First, we need to teach children emotion vocabulary by modeling.
• Teach words by modeling!
• Catch the feelings while it’s happening!
Slide 10:
#8: Telling stories and recalling information.
Telling stories about your day.
Telling stories about your weekend.
Slide 11: Retell a story with books!
Slide 12:
#9: Expressing an opinion and commenting.
Slide 13: Asking questions
Slide 14: By learning and modeling different communicative functions, your child is on their way to becoming a more effective communicator!
Any questions?
Slide 15: Let’s get started!