AAC Games and Communication Resources

Communication and Interaction AAC Games.

This page collates all the AAC communication games, activities and resources I have made/found to enhance the communication opportunities for all students but specially designed for AAC (Augmentative and alternative communication) users. This may be PECS (Picture exchange communication system) or Context specific communication boards for those students who have more speech.

All the AAC activity boards are free but some will require software to edit. If you like this post please share it! I hope these resources help you support non-verbal communication in all forms. We have recently written a blog on how to improve communication and AAC use in your classroom. We have a post on ensuring AAC devices are used in every lesson. These communication games are an essential component of a child’s speech and language therapy.

AAC Communication Games: Speech and Language therapy.

I am not a speech and language therapist but work in a specialist school where communication is our main curriculum focus. Most of these activities have been given the nod by our SALT and have passed the (essential) student test. I have some thoughts on age appropriateness. A lot of these games and toys were designed for younger children than I work with. You can have this debate in your centre/school but I personally think engagement trumps the perception that these are too childish. Children need tough toys that they can explore. They need motivating sounds, colours and textures in the AAC activities you plan to use.

I work hard to create an effective SEN classroom that is clearly a secondary classroom, but I want the drawers to be full of motivating, fun activities and tasks that I do not have to be too precious over. If my students like a spinner or noisy shape tub that’s what I am going to use to grab their attention and make sure they want to engage with the planned learning and interactions. In a special school it is essential to engage a child’s interests. With Autistic children these interests can be highly motivating.

What are the types of AAC?

---

AAC Ball Games

Adapt simple ball games to incorporate AAC:

• Request the ball (“my turn”)
• Choose rolling/throwing
• Direct others (“stop,” “go”)
• Comment on actions
• Express excitement

Social AAC Activities

AAC Snack Time Games
Turn snack time into a communication opportunity:

• Request preferred foods
• Make choices
• Ask for “more”
• Comment on tastes
• Practice social phrases

AAC Story Time Activities

Interactive Storytelling
Use favorite books to encourage AAC use:

• Predict what happens next
• Comment on characters
• Express opinions
• Request page turns
• Ask questions

---

AAC Games and Free Communication Resources.

I have used a Mr Potato Head numerous times to structure an activity to aid expressive language. So many opportunities for PECS use, sharing, commenting and interaction.

Buy Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Stormtrooper Mr Potato Head Set of three.

You can use this communication board to structure requests. If there is too much vocabulary blank the squares out.

---

Squawk: The Egg-Spolsive Chicken AAC Game

I have added a full review of this game click the button below!

---

Gassy the Cow Communication Game

Toilet trouble AAC Game

We had a great time on a hot day playing this simple game. Basically you roll the paper to indicate how many times you flush. You may well get sprayed! Download the CSCB – Communication board by clicking the button below. Buy the Game Here.

Frustration AAC Game

This post contains all our free AAC communication resources for the popular board game Frustration

Yeti in my Spaghetti Game

This is a tried and tested family favourite (see images). Pile the spaghetti in the bowl and balance the yeti figure on top. Take turns to remove a piece of spaghetti kerplunk style until the yeti drops into the bowl. You could make it more motivating for some learners by replacing the yeti with a favoured toy or figure. Buy Yeti here!

Download the communication aac game communication board free printable here for Yeti in my Spaghetti.

---

Pop Up Pirate: AAC Communication Board

This classic game comes with multiple coloured swords. So great for extending vocabulary or practicing attributes with PECS. You can definitely find this in a charity shop or buy it here. Download the free CSCB – For Pop up Pirate here.

---

Pop The Pig

This is a bit more of a complex game, it comes with coloured burgers that have a number printed on them, you can roll the dice to see wich burger or just request a chosen colour using the CSCB. You press the Pigs head the number of times that is printed on the burger. Buy Pig goes pop here. Download the CSCB – Pop the Pig or copy and paste the image below.

---

Penguin Race/slide/Rollercoaster

This is one of the most horrendously noisy toys ever but the kids love it. Buy the penguin race here. hopefully it comes with multi-coloured penguins that the child can request with PECS or the Penguin Slide CSCB board.

Update I found a duck version as well! Will upload the board or make your own with Widgit Online.

---

Gator Goal AAC Game

I like this as it’s fully age appropriate probably up to the sixth form and beyond and encourages gross motor skills and movement as well as communication and commenting opportunities. You can buy it here. Download a Zip of all Gator Goal Game Free Printable resources here.

---

Monster/Alien Poppers AAC Game

These incredibly cheap little Alien poppers (Under £3 for 12) are really good fun. Just request the colour of the one you want. The communication AAC board is made using widgit online and does not have coloured boxes to make it visually easier to process for Autistic learners.

Download the Monster Alien Poppers CSCB AAC board

---

Pop-Up Toy AAC Game

First up is the Pop Up Game ( I stole this AAC activity idea from a portage session)

Using this board (download here – Pop Up Game attributes CSCB) your guys can request the number and colour of the figures they want. These then go into the matching hole, you can use the “oh no”  comment if it gets put in the wrong one or if it falls on the floor when they bounce it out etc. Great for enhancing expressive communication.

There are also variations on this – I found an animal and Pirate one as well that would fit in with specific topics or interests.

---

This seems to be discontinued I found mine for £2 in a charity shop so you may be lucky.

The Wobbly Chef

This unsteady chap has proven a hit with my class of autistic AAC users. It is great for both communication and fine motor skills. I have to admit I have adapted with some blu-tac on the base as he is a little too wobbly on a hard school desk. Anyway, the idea is you roll the dice and try to balance the item on one of the plates. Download the PDF Wobbly chef AAC board. If you want to edit it you can use this file and open with In Print 3.- Wobbly Chef AAC resources. This includes medium and small PECS symbol grids for the game.

This strip I didn’t save for some reason so if you want to extend the discussion you can save and print the image.

---

The Yes/No Game

No additional physical resources needed for this AAC game. This was just a quick way to get extend the vocabulary of some of my guys. A game they could play with minimal staff support. A bit of a classic. All they have to do is ask questions – the other player then has to answer without saying yes or no. This is a great way to start expanding a child’s vocabulary.

So I printed the boards double-sided and laminated (of course). 1 Side is possible question prompts if needed. The other is possible answers. You can of course then fade this support out. We play this AAC game with a buzzer to make it a bit more fun but a bell or even an app would do. Pretty much a totally free teaching resource.

Download the Yes no game. Or the Yes no game.ipdoc file to edit

---

The Penguin Game.

Probably the most popular due to the water play element to it. This simple pile the penguins on the ice game (Buy Here) allows for PECS attributes (4) and stage 1/2/3. (Download the Small/Medium PECS penguin float game Grids Here)

Download the Penguin AAC board for free. It is well worth it!

Effective Strategies for Communication Board Integration into Games and Lessons

1. Phased Introduction: Embrace a step-by-step approach when introducing communication boards. Begin with a handful of essential symbols, allowing users to build confidence before expanding the range of options.
2. Lead by Example: Incorporate the board into your own communication style. As you speak, gesture towards relevant symbols, demonstrating their practical application in real-time conversations.
3. Equalize Communication Methods: Assign equal importance to board-based communication and verbal expression. This validates all forms of interaction, fostering an inclusive environment.
4. Cultivate Patience: Recognize that mastering a new communication tool is a journey. Allow individuals to explore and adapt at their own pace, free from undue pressure or expectations.
5. Dynamic Adaptation: Regularly assess and modify the board’s content to align with evolving needs, skills, and interests. This ensures its continued relevance and effectiveness.
6. Broaden Application: Explore ways to extend the use of communication strategies beyond designated sensory areas, promoting consistency across various settings.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Communication

In our quest to integrate communication boards effectively, it’s essential to adopt a neurodiversity-positive mindset:

1. Capability Assumption: Approach each individual with the belief that they possess valuable thoughts and ideas, regardless of their expressive abilities.
2. Communication Diversity Appreciation: Embrace the full spectrum of communication methods, recognizing the validity of all forms of expression, from traditional speech to innovative AAC techniques.
3. Autonomy Empowerment: Strive to equip individuals with tools for self-expression and decision-making, rather than imposing conventional communication norms.
4. Milestone Recognition: Applaud every communication effort and achievement, understanding that seemingly small steps can represent significant personal triumphs.

By adhering to these principles, we create an environment that not only accommodates but celebrates the rich tapestry of human communication styles and abilities.

Essential Software for Making AAC Games For Speech Therapy.

90% of these resources have been made using Widgit Software – either In-Print 3 or Widgit online (Free Trial Here). To edit any of these files you will need to invest in this.

To quickly and simply capture images for your resources you will need screen capture software – if you have a Mac the buttons Command+Shift+4 will allow you to draw a box around the image or more usually the part of an image you want this then saves to your desktop for use.

We hope you have enjoyed our Ideas for AAC and communication games and activities. Please follow our Facebook page for updates. Shares and comments are always hugely appreciated.