How to Create and Use the Aided Language Boards at Home
Step 1: Print out the aided language board.
Step 2: Laminate to protect against wear and tear.
Step 3: Model the aided language board in everyday interaction and communication, ensuring that it is available to your child at all times. If you are printing more than one aided language board you may wish to attach them together to form a communication book.
For more information on how to use aided language boards please see our website: What are Aided Language Boards?
Unlock your child's communication potential with our
engaging toys featuring Aided Language Boards (ALBs).
What is an Aided Language Board?
An Aided Language Board is a visual communication tool that
helps children express themselves using symbols and pictures.
How to Use an Aided Language Board:
Simply place the board in front of your child whilst playing
with the toy and model the use of the board by pointing to symbols as you
speak, which helps your child learn how to use it effectively.
Benefits of Using an Aided Language Board:
Enhanced Communication: Supports children in
expressing themselves.
Language Development: Supports your child’s language
development, with different boards for Analytic Language Processors (ALPs) and
Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs).
Increased Independence: Empowers children to
communicate their thoughts more independently.
Social Interaction: Facilitates interactions with
peers and adults, supporting relationships and connection.
Toys with Aided Language Boards are the perfect addition to any child's communication toolkit, making learning and interaction fun and effective.
Analytic Language Processors (ALP): Your child is likely an Analytic Language Processor if they started talking in single words (Mummy, milk, cat, Daddy etc.) and then put these together to form short phrases and sentences, for example their first word might be ‘milk’ and then later on they might say ‘more milk’. These children do not commonly use echolalia or start speaking in chunks of language. Our ALP boards are designed to support children who are learning language in this way, most neurotypical children are analytic language processors.
Gestalt Language Processors (GLP): Your child is likely a Gestalt Language Processor (GLP) if they started talking in chunks of language or use delayed echolalia (repeating lines from favourite tv shows, people, or other media). Our GLP boards are designed to support children primarily in Stages 1 and 2 of gestalt language development. Many Autistic and neurodivergent children are Gestalt Language Processors. For more information click here.
Still unsure, try these questions:
Does your child use delayed echolalia? (repeating lines from favourite tv shows, people, or other media) – GLP
Is your child non-speaking and sings, hums or uses long strings of unintelligible language with varying intonation (pitch)? – GLP
Does your child enjoy repetitive play and sequences? – GLP
Does your child enjoy watching and rewatching the same clips on YouTube? – GLP
Did you child start saying their first words as single words and are now combining them? – ALP
Is your child likely to be following a typical path of development? – ALP
