Family Engagement Month: Simple Ways to Include Siblings and Relatives in AAC

November is Family Engagement Month — a time dedicated to celebrating the vital role families play in supporting their children’s learning, growth, and communication. Across schools, clinics, and communities, this month highlights the importance of family connection and collaboration in helping children thrive.

For children who use AAC, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication, family engagement means more than just attending therapy sessions. It’s about building confidence, connection, and language through everyday moments at home and in the community.

AAC gives children the tools to express their thoughts and needs, but it’s the people around them — parents, siblings, and relatives — who bring that communication to life. When families learn to model and respond to AAC use, communication becomes shared, natural, and joyful.

The Power of Family Engagement in AAC

When parents, siblings, and relatives model AAC at home, they help the child see that communication belongs everywhere — not just during therapy or school. Family engagement doesn’t mean turning every moment into a lesson. It’s about using AAC naturally, during shared routines, playtime, and conversation.

Small actions make a big difference. You can model words while pouring cereal in the morning ("eat," "milk," or "good"), or use AAC during bedtime stories ("turn page," "funny," "more"). During playtime, model phrases like “go,” “stop,” or “my turn,” or while cooking together, talk about what you’re doing — “mix,” “hot,” “yum.”

The more your child sees AAC used in real life, the more they understand that it's not just a therapy tool, it's a voice. Everyday experiences like grocery shopping, walking the dog, or baking cookies can become opportunities for connection and language growth.

AAC doesn’t have to be used perfectly to be effective. What matters most is showing your child that their device is always welcome, and that communication can happen anywhere. Whether it’s a quick comment during play or a shared laugh at the dinner table, every modeled word reinforces the message: Your voice matters here.

Involving Siblings in AAC

Siblings often play a special role in encouraging communication. They’re natural teachers, motivators, and play partners — and their involvement can make AAC use feel fun and social rather than clinical. But children don’t automatically know how to include AAC in play. Parents can help by showing them how to model and respond to their sibling’s communication.

Start with easy, fun activities where communication happens naturally:

• Board games: Model phrases like “my turn,” “go,” or “uh-oh.”

• Building toys: Use words such as “up,” “fall down,” or “again!”

• Pretend play: Encourage siblings to use AAC to assign roles — “you be the doctor,” “I’m the chef.”

Parents can coach siblings to wait, listen, and respond when their brother or sister uses AAC. Remind them that communication doesn’t have to be perfect — every gesture, sound, or button press is a chance to connect. When siblings learn how to use AAC together, they begin to treat it as just another way to talk, and that shared understanding strengthens their bond.

Including Grandparents and Extended Family

AAC works best when everyone in a child’s circle understands how to support communication. That includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or close family friends who spend time with the child. These relationships are full of meaningful opportunities for connection, but they can also be moments where AAC users feel unsure — especially if others aren’t familiar with how AAC works.

Parents play an important role in helping extended family members feel confident and informed. Take time to show them what AAC is, how your child uses it, and why it matters. Explain that communication may look different — sometimes your child will press a button right away, and other times they may need a few extra seconds to find their words. Encourage patience and the importance of waiting quietly after modeling, giving your child time to respond without pressure.

Relatives and friends can also help by inviting the child into conversations. Instead of talking about the child, make it a point to talk with them — asking questions, giving choices, or simply pausing to let them comment. Modeling words like “yes,” “fun,” or “want” while speaking shows that AAC is part of everyday interaction.

Equally important, family members can serve as advocates and allies. When others are curious or uncertain about AAC, they can help explain: “This is how she talks,” or “He uses this to tell us what he’s thinking.” Normalizing AAC use helps the child feel accepted and proud of their communication style.

For many families, teaching extended relatives and close friends about AAC transforms holidays, visits, and family gatherings. Instead of the child feeling left out, they’re included — able to share jokes, ask for what they need, and take part in the moments that make family life special.

Creating a Family Culture of Communication

Family engagement with AAC should never feel like a therapy session. It’s not about doing it perfectly — it’s about building comfort, consistency, and confidence so communication feels natural in daily life.

Start by finding simple “communication moments” that fit into your family’s routine — snack time, story time, cooking together, or playing outside. Use AAC to model a few words that match what’s happening in the moment: “want snack,” “that’s funny,” “go fast,” or “time for bed.” These small, repeated experiences show children that their AAC system is a tool for real conversation, not just practice.

Keep AAC accessible throughout the home — near the table, in the play area, or wherever your family spends time together. The easier it is to reach, the more likely it will be used naturally. Encourage everyone — parents, siblings, grandparents, and close friends — to model words, wait for responses, and involve your child in conversations. When communication becomes shared across the whole family, it grows faster and feels more meaningful.

Over time, this consistent, low-pressure approach helps AAC become part of your family’s daily rhythm. It stops being something separate and instead becomes part of how everyone connects — a bridge built through words, laughter, and shared moments.

Partnering with AAC Specialists

Families don’t have to figure this out alone. AAC specialists can help guide parents and relatives in making communication a natural part of daily life. Through coaching and hands-on practice, specialists can demonstrate modeling techniques, offer strategies for different routines, and help families feel confident using AAC in real-world settings.

When AAC becomes part of family life, children not only build stronger communication skills — they also feel more connected, supported, and understood. Collaboration between families and professionals turns everyday moments into opportunities for language and connection.

At The ProAACtive SLP, we believe that every family can help their child find their voice. If you’re ready to learn how to integrate AAC at home, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us!