How Do We Support Monotropic Attention with AAC?

In this episode, Ruth and Ali explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing AAC in educational settings, emphasizing the importance of confidence, curiosity, and collaborative approaches to support children effectively.key topicsChallenges of AAC adoption in schoolsBuilding confidence among communication partnersThe role of curiosity and collaboration in AAC successMultimodal communication as a supportive frameworkTraining gaps and misconceptions about AACThe importance of environment and context in AAC useNormalizing mistakes as part of learningThe impact of legacy practices and valuesFind them on Instagram:@ruth_jones_slt@ali_battye_speech

In this episode of AAC Access All Areas, hosts Ali Battye and Ruth Jones discuss how to support children with monotropic attention profiles using AAC. They explore the importance of understanding hyperfocus, the nuances of stimming, and practical strategies for engaging children in communication while respecting their individual needs.TakeawaysUnderstanding monotropic attentionSupporting AAC users' engagementLinks:Instagram:@ali_battye_speech@ruth_jones_speechhttps://www.routledge.com/Neurodiversity-Affirming-Practices-in-Early-Childhood-An-Empowering-Guide-to-Diverse-Development-and-Play/Murphy/p/book/9781032346526

The conversation covers a range of topics related to AAC, including personal reflections, writing projects, technical advancements, AI in AAC, representation in literature, and lived experiences of AAC users.The themes of neurodiversity, communication technology, and the impact of lived experiences are central to the discussion. The conversation delves into the challenges of AAC provision within EHCPs, the need for flexibility, and the importance of considering the dynamic nature of communication environments. It also emphasizes the value of open-mindedness and learning from a wide range of sources.Links:How to Help Non-Speaking Children in the Early Years : Supporting Communication through Joy and Connection: Bryony Rust: 9781032295190: hive.co.ukHoward WicksAli on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_battye_speechRuth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_jones_slt

Is it ever too late to introduce AAC? Ruth Jones and Ali Battye say the answer is no - and they back it up with the kind of real-world examples that can change how you think about communication forever. If you support an older child, teen, or adult who has never had robust AAC access, this conversation is a must-listen. Ruth and Ali unpack why the "too late" myth keeps showing up, especially for autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and young people whose AAC journey starts later because of access, cost, or outdated assumptions. They explore what actually changes as children grow, from regulation and attention to executive function, and why those changes can make AAC feel more possible, not less. You'll hear how language continues to grow across the lifespan, why neuroplasticity matters, and how older AAC users often take to text-to-speech or symbol-supported systems with incredible speed once the right tool is in front of them. Ali shares powerful examples from her practice, including teenagers who suddenly found the words to ask for home, express humour, comment, question, and even move from symbols to typing with ease. We break down the difference between simply requesting and truly communicating.Ruth and Ali show how AAC can become a way to build language, explore interests, deepen conversations, and support genuine self-advocacy - not just a way to ask for things. If you've ever wondered whether it's "too late" to start, this episode will leave you with a stronger belief in presuming potential, a broader view of communication, and a renewed sense of what's possible when AAC is introduced well. Essential listening for families, teachers, therapists, and anyone supporting older AAC users.Find us on Instagram:@ali_battye_speech@ruth_jones_sltor on TikTok@aac_access_all_areas

In this episode, Ali and Ruth explore practical strategies for supporting adults involved in AAC communication, addressing feelings of overwhelm and emphasizing the importance of flexibility, connection, and personal pacing. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, discover how to create sustainable AAC practices that honour each individual's unique journey.The complex roles of family, educators, and therapists in AAC supportRecognising and respecting individual differences in AAC familiarity and expectationsStarting points for AAC implementation: focusing on interests and engagementThe importance of "model without expectation" and mindfulness of building trustAcknowledging multimodal communication alongside AACThe significance of community networks and shared experiencesIncorporating embodied caregiver experience into AAC discourseEmbracing natural rhythms and respecting moments when AAC may not be welcomedManaging your own regulation and recognizing "affective resistance" as positivePractical tools: weekly mini-goals, tailored vocabularies, and environmental integrationFind us on Instagram:@ruth_jones_slt@ali_battye_speechor on TikTok@AAC_access_all_areasArticle:Affective Resistance in Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Gombar & Bach (2025)

SummaryIn this episode, Ruth Jones and Ali Battye explore the complexities of AAC engagement, emphasizing patience, understanding fluctuating capacities, and honouring individual communication rhythms. They share practical insights and personal stories to support effective AAC use.Key TopicsThe importance of patience in AAC implementationFluctuating capacities and sensory challenges for autistic AAC usersThe role of exploration and play in AAC learningRespecting individual communication rhythmsPractical strategies for supporting AAC users"Follow the joy and connect through what lights them up.""AAC use can shift from exploration to meaningful communication."Find us on Instagram:@ali_battye_speech@ruth_jones_slt

Most children start exploring AAC systems in unexpected ways—and the early moments of engagement can be profoundly simple yet incredibly powerful. Discover how a child's spontaneous interaction with an iPad or communication book can reveal their natural inclination to communicate, even before they use words. If you’re supporting children with complex communication needs, you’ll want to hear what happens when the focus shifts from functional language to playful, joyful interaction—and how that sets the stage for meaningful communication down the line. In this episode, Ali & Ruth share real-life stories that showcase what early AAC engagement really looks like—and bust common misconceptions along the way. You’ll discover concrete strategies for fostering initial interest, like modeling subtly and avoiding pressure, so children feel ownership rather than obligation. We break down the subtle signs of early ownership—like batting away an AAC device or glancing over—instead of expecting instant speech.Key topics covered include:The dream scenario of instant curiosity sparked by a fun, interesting pageHow modelling “little and often” builds engagement without overwhelmingWhy exploring favourite characters like Peppa Pig can unlock broader languageThe importance of respecting individual differences and processing needsPractical tips for using communication books versus devices in early engagementYou’ll learn why patience, attunement, and a playful approach create a foundation for both children and adults to build confidence. Avoid overwhelm and set realistic expectations, knowing that language development is a marathon—not a sprint. This episode is perfect for speech therapists, educators, parents, and anyone committed to unlocking every child's potential to connect. Whether you're troubleshooting early AAC success stories or looking for ways to make engagement irresistible, this conversation will renew your perspective on what’s possible—and remind you that the most meaningful moments often happen when we least expect them. Remember: early engagement isn’t just about immediate speech—it's about planting seeds of joy, ownership, and curiosity that will grow into lifelong communication skills.Get inspired to see the magic in those first tentative interactions—because sometimes, a simple glance or a giggle is the beginning of something extraordinary.Find us on Instagram@ali_battye_speech@ruth_jones_slt

This episode explores the diverse reasons for communication beyond requesting, emphasizing the importance of connection, joy, and meaningful interaction in AAC and speech therapy. Ruth and Ali discuss models, misconceptions, and real-life examples to deepen understanding and practice.The means, reasons and opportunities model of communication - Resource Library - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation TrustFind us on Instagram:@ali_battye_speech@ruth_jones_slt

This episode explores Gestalt language processing in children, how it influences AAC setup, and practical strategies for supporting language development. Hosted by Ali Battye and Ruth Jones, it offers insights into tailoring AAC systems to meet the unique needs of Gestalt language processors.Find us on Instagram:Ali - @ali_battye_speechRuth - @ruth_jones_slt

This episode explores the essential aspects of AAC language, including robust vocabulary, core and fringe words, and effective communication strategies. Hosts Ruth and Ali discuss how to optimize AAC systems for speed, personalization, and meaningful interaction, emphasizing the importance of tuning into individual needs and preferences.Key topics:Robust vocabulary and its importanceCore words and their universal role in AACFringe words and personalizationStrategies for efficient AAC communicationThe role of phrase-based language and shortcutsObserving and tuning into individual communication needsRuth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruth_jones_slt/Ali's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ali_battye_speech/