What is Aided Language Stimulation (ALS)?

As a pediatric therapist who works with kids, you may frequently use Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) to support children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to communicate. Let’s consider a hypothetical situation where you’re working with a child named Billy, who has difficulty speaking due to a developmental delay. Here’s how you could use ALS with Billy:

• First, you’ll introduce Billy to the tablet or communication board you’ll use to help him communicate.
• You’ll start by pointing to pictures on the board while saying the corresponding words out loud, encouraging Billy to watch and listen closely.
• Next, you’ll point to a picture of something that Billy might want, like a toy, and say, “I want the toy!” while encouraging Billy to say it too. You can repeat this several times to reinforce the new vocabulary.
• As Billy becomes more comfortable with using the communication board, you can start asking him questions and encouraging him to use the board to respond. For example, you might point to a picture of a ball and ask, “Do you want to play with the ball?” while waiting for Billy to respond with a point or vocalization.
• You can also use ALS during playtime, pointing to pictures of toys or activities while encouraging Billy to ask for what he wants. For example, you might point to a picture of bubbles and say, “I want to blow bubbles!” while encouraging Billy to say it too.

In conclusion, Aided Language Stimulation (ALS) is an effective strategy for individuals using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Goally’s tablet-based system includes features like AAC and gamified learning to make communication more accessible and enjoyable for kids with developmental delays. By using ALS with tools like Goally, children can develop better communication skills and make meaningful connections with those around them.