If you’ve ever tried to learn a new language, you know how overwhelming it can be at first. You hear words and phrases, but they don’t quite make sense yet. You may pick up a few key phrases—hello, thank you, where’s the bathroom?—but holding a full conversation? That takes time.

Now, imagine you’re an AAC user. Learning to communicate using an AAC system is a lot like learning a new language—it requires immersion, patience, and consistent practice in real-world situations.

For parents, special educators, and SLPs, understanding this connection can help us better support AAC learners. Let’s explore how AAC learning parallels foreign language acquisition and what we can do to create rich language-learning environments.

Step 1: Surround Them with Language

Think about how people become fluent in a foreign language. The best way? Total immersion. When surrounded by a new language, we pick up on frequently used words and phrases through repetition and context.

AAC learners need the same thing. They need to see and hear their AAC system being used all day long—not just during therapy or structured communication time. We can create an immersive AAC environment by:
✅ Modeling AAC use whenever we speak to the learner.
✅ Using AAC in daily routines, like mealtimes, playtime, and transitions.
✅ Encouraging others (teachers, peers, family members) to use AAC as well.

The more they see AAC being used, the more natural it will become.

Step 2: Start with Social Communication

When learning a new language, we don’t start by writing essays or reading textbooks. We start with basic, everyday communication: “Hello,” “I want,” “Help,” “More.”

This is known as Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS)—the ability to express simple needs, wants, and emotions. AAC learners start in the same place. Before expecting them to construct long sentences, we should focus on high-frequency, functional words that help them engage with the people around them.

Examples of early AAC phrases:
🗣️ “Go!” – for playing a game or starting an activity
🗣️ “Want more” – requesting a favorite item
🗣️ “That’s funny!” – reacting to something enjoyable

Just like in foreign language learning, success comes from frequent, meaningful use—not drilling isolated vocabulary words.

Step 3: Build Toward Academic Language

Once a language learner feels comfortable with social conversations, they begin tackling Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP)—the more complex language needed for reading, writing, and learning in school.

For AAC learners, this transition requires intentional support. They need exposure to:
📚 Academic vocabulary (e.g., math words like “add” and “subtract”)
💬 Longer sentence structures (“I think the story is about friendship.”)
❓ Higher-level questioning (“Why do you think that happened?”)

The mistake many educators and therapists make? Sticking with simple, social communication too long. Just like a foreign language learner won’t advance if they only say “Where’s the bathroom?”, AAC learners need opportunities to stretch their language skills in school and beyond.

How Can We Help? Strategies to Support AAC Learners

🔹 Model, model, model. The more AAC learners see their system in action, the faster they’ll learn. Don’t expect them to use words they’ve never seen used!

🔹 Create real opportunities for communication. Instead of asking “What color is this?” try authentic communication: “Which color do you want?” or “Tell me about your picture.”

🔹 Don’t be afraid to introduce bigger words! Even if an AAC learner isn’t constructing long sentences yet, they can still be exposed to academic vocabulary through modeling and conversation.

🔹 Make it fun and functional. Just like language learners benefit from music, games, and real-life interactions, AAC learners need engaging, meaningful communication experiences.

Final Thoughts: AAC Fluency Takes Time

Learning a language—whether spoken or through AAC—doesn’t happen overnight. It requires constant exposure, meaningful practice, and a lot of patience from communication partners.

The best thing we can do for our AAC users? Treat AAC as a real language, not just a tool. When we immerse them in a world full of AAC-rich interactions, they don’t just learn to communicate. They learn to connect, express themselves, and thrive.

Let’s create AAC environments where learners don’t just survive—they flourish. 🌱💬