Speak Without Words Communication System

The Speak Without Words Communication System is a complete augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) toolkit designed for neurodivergent children and teens who are minimally verbal, nonspeaking, or experience situational mutism. This multi-modal system provides concrete visual communication tools that enable individuals to express needs, wants, feelings, thoughts, and ideas without relying on spoken language.

Understanding Communication Beyond Speech:

Why Some Neurodivergent Individuals Don’t Speak:
– Apraxia or motor planning challenges
– Significant expressive language delays
– Selective mutism or situational speechlessness
– Processing and formulating speech is overwhelming
– Anxiety or trauma affecting speech
– Autism-related communication differences
– Speech requires too much energy/effort
– Prefer alternative communication methods

Communication Is a Human Right:
✓ Everyone deserves to communicate
✓ Communication happens in many forms
✓ AAC supports don’t prevent speech development
✓ Multiple communication modes are valid
✓ Presuming competence is essential
✓ Access to communication = access to autonomy
✓ Visual communication is real communication

Common Communication Barriers:
– Limited access to appropriate AAC systems
– Others don’t understand non-verbal communication
– Difficulty expressing complex thoughts and feelings
– Frustration leading to behavioral communication
– Social isolation and exclusion
– Misunderstood as less capable
– Dependence on others to interpret needs
– Safety risks when unable to communicate emergencies

The Speak Without Words System provides multiple communication pathways, empowering individuals to express themselves effectively across all environments and situations.

What’s Included in the System:

Core Communication Boards:
– Essential needs board (I want, I need, I feel, help, etc.)
– Feelings and emotions board (40+ emotions)
– Basic requests board (food, drink, bathroom, break, etc.)
– Yes/No communication cards
– Greetings and social phrases board
– Question words board (who, what, where, when, why, how)
– Action words board (go, stop, wait, more, finished, etc.)
– Preference indicators (like/don’t like, want/don’t want)

Topic-Specific Communication Boards:
– Food and eating board (100+ common foods)
– Activities and play board (toys, games, activities)
– Places board (home, school, community locations)
– People board (family, friends, professionals)
– Body and health board (pain, sick, injury, doctor)
– School subjects and activities
– Sensory needs communication
– Schedule and time communication

Advanced Communication Tools:
– Alphabet board (spelling for literate communicators)
– Number board
– Color and descriptor boards
– Category boards for organization
– Sentence strips for combining symbols
– Customizable blank boards
– Photo communication options

Communication Methods Training:
– Pointing and indicating
– Eye gaze communication
– Partner-assisted scanning
– Direct selection techniques
– Two-way communication strategies
– Yes/No response systems
– Building multi-word messages

Request and Choice-Making Systems:
– Visual choice boards (2-choice, 3-choice, 4-choice)
– “First-Then” communication boards
– Request sequence cards
– Rejection and refusal communication
– Negotiation and compromise boards
– Decision-making frameworks

Social Communication Supports:
– Conversation starters and topics
– Comments and responses
– Questions to ask others
– Appropriate responses bank
– Social scripts for common situations
– Polite phrases and manners
– Friendship and relationship communication

Parent and Communication Partner Guide:
– Understanding AAC and non-verbal communication
– Presuming competence always
– Modeling communication system use
– Responding to communication attempts
– Building from simple to complex messages
– Honoring all communication methods
– Advocating for AAC in schools
– Troubleshooting and problem-solving
– Supporting literacy development
– Transitioning to higher-tech AAC if desired

How the Speak Without Words System Works:

Foundation: Access and Exposure
– Provide immediate access to communication boards
– Model system use constantly (even if child doesn’t use yet)
– Honor all communication attempts (pointing, gestures, sounds)
– Presume competence and intent to communicate
– Make communication boards available everywhere

Step 1: Core Vocabulary Introduction
– Start with essential needs board
– Model use in daily routines
– Respond immediately to all communication attempts
– Celebrate every communication (no matter how basic)
– Build trust that communication works

Step 2: Expand Vocabulary and Topics
– Add topic-specific boards based on interests and needs
– Follow child’s lead and preferences
– Incorporate into activities and routines
– Build communication across contexts
– Increase complexity gradually

Step 3: Multi-Symbol Messages
– Combine symbols to create longer messages
– Use sentence strips for word order
– Support grammar and language development
– Express more complex thoughts and feelings
– Move beyond single-word communication

Step 4: Generalization and Independence
– Use across all environments (home, school, community)
– Reduce adult prompting and support
– Initiate communication independently
– Use for various communication functions (request, comment, question, protest, etc.)
– Develop personal communication style

Step 5: Literacy and Higher AAC (if appropriate)
– Support reading and spelling development
– Use alphabet board for novel messages
– Transition to higher-tech AAC if desired
– Continue multi-modal communication
– Build lifetime communication competence

Key Features and Benefits:

Evidence-Based AAC Principles:
✓ Core vocabulary focus
✓ Aided language stimulation (modeling)
✓ Presuming competence
✓ Multi-modal communication support
✓ Functional communication training
✓ Total communication philosophy

Comprehensive and Flexible:
✓ Multiple communication boards and tools
✓ Works for various communication levels
✓ Adaptable to individual needs
✓ Grows with communicator
✓ Supports transition to higher-tech AAC

Low-Tech and Always Available:
✓ No batteries or charging needed
✓ Durable and portable
✓ Works in any lighting or environment
✓ No technology learning curve
✓ Affordable and accessible

Respectful and Empowering:
✓ Neurodiversity-affirming
✓ Presumes competence
✓ Values all communication forms
✓ Builds autonomy and self-advocacy
✓ Person-centered approach

Perfect For:

Individuals Who:
– Are minimally verbal or nonspeaking
– Have apraxia or motor speech challenges
– Experience selective mutism
– Communicate primarily through behavior
– Need reliable communication when speech is unavailable
– Are learning to use high-tech AAC (as backup)
– Have significant expressive language delays
– Use some speech but need AAC support
– Prefer visual communication
– Are awaiting AAC evaluation or device

Communication Functions:
– Requesting needs and wants
– Expressing feelings and emotions
– Answering questions
– Making choices and decisions
– Social interaction and conversation
– Asking for help or breaks
– Protesting or saying no
– Commenting and sharing information
– Asking questions
– Emergency communication

Age Range:
– Designed for ages 3-adult
– Visual symbols appropriate for all ages
– Complexity adjustable to cognitive level
– Literacy supports for readers
– Lifetime communication tool

What Makes This System Unique:

Truly Comprehensive:
– Not just basic needs—full communication
– Social, emotional, functional domains
– 500+ vocabulary items included
– Sentence building capability
– Literacy integration

Neurodiversity-Affirming:
– Communication difference, not deficit
– Multiple ways to communicate are valid
– No pressure to speak
– Respects AAC as primary communication
– Presumes competence always

Practical and Portable:
– Fits in backpack or bag
– Use anywhere, anytime
– Quick reference format
– Organized and accessible
– Durable for daily use

Family and School Friendly:
– Parent guide included
– School implementation support
– Partner training provided
– No specialized training required
– Affordable for families and schools

System Components in Detail:

1. Core Communication Boards (6 boards):
– Essential Needs (I want, I need, help, break, bathroom, eat, drink, etc.) – 8.5″ × 11″
– Feelings/Emotions (happy, sad, scared, angry, excited, + 35 more) – 11″ × 17″
– Basic Requests (more, all done, wait, go, stop, yes, no, etc.) – 8.5″ × 11″
– Social Phrases (hi, bye, please, thank you, sorry, etc.) – 8.5″ × 11″
– Question Words (who, what, where, when, why, how) – 8.5″ × 11″
– Actions (go, stop, wait, look, listen, help, play, etc.) – 8.5″ × 11″
– All laminated and hole-punched for binder

2. Topic-Specific Boards (12 boards):
– Food and Eating (100+ foods categorized)
– Activities and Play (50+ activities)
– Places and Locations (30+ places)
– People (family, friends, professionals)
– Body and Health (pain, symptoms, body parts)
– School Subjects and Activities
– Sensory Needs (too loud, too bright, need quiet, etc.)
– Schedule and Time (now, later, today, tomorrow, etc.)
– Animals
– Colors and Descriptors
– Pronouns and Prepositions
– Custom/Interests Board (blank template)
– Size: 11″ × 17″ laminated

3. Alphabet and Literacy Boards:
– Full alphabet board (uppercase and lowercase)
– Number board (0-100)
– Punctuation and symbols
– Sentence building strip
– Word categories for spelling support
– High-frequency sight words board

4. Communication Tools and Accessories:
– Yes/No cards (large, portable)
– Choice boards (2-choice, 3-choice, 4-choice templates)
– First-Then boards (3 sizes)
– Communication keychain cards (essential phrases)
– Wallet-size emergency communication card
– “I use AAC” explanation cards
– Portable communication folder/binder
– Velcro dots for customization

5. Social Communication Scripts (20 scenarios):
– Greeting and introductions
– Asking to play
– Joining a game or activity
– Sharing and taking turns
– Disagreeing politely
– Asking for help
– Making requests
– Commenting on activities
– Asking questions
– Ending conversations
– Apologizing
– Expressing preferences
– Making choices
– Restaurant ordering
– Doctor visits
– School situations
– And more

6. Parent/Communication Partner Guide (80-page manual):
– AAC myths and facts
– Presuming competence
– How to model AAC use
– Responding to communication attempts
– Building from simple to complex
– Honoring all communication forms
– Literacy and AAC
– School advocacy and IEP goals
– Transitioning to high-tech AAC
– Troubleshooting common challenges
– Supporting motor skills for AAC access
– Partner-assisted scanning techniques
– Creating custom boards
– Success stories and case studies

7. Implementation and Training Videos:
– Introduction to the system
– Modeling AAC with your child
– Responding to communication attempts
– Building multi-word messages
– Creating custom boards
– School implementation
– Troubleshooting tips

8. Customization Materials:
– Blank board templates (multiple sizes)
– Symbol library access (download additional symbols)
– Photo communication instructions
– Personalization guide
– Custom board creation tutorial

Digital Access Includes:
– Downloadable PDF of all boards and materials
– Printable extra copies (unlimited)
– Symbol library (500+ additional symbols)
– Editable board templates
– Video implementation tutorials
– Parent training modules
– Customization tools
– Online AAC community access
– Bonus resources and activities
– Updates and new boards as released

Implementation Timeline:

Week 1-2: Introduction and Access
– Introduce communication boards
– Make available in all environments
– Begin modeling use constantly
– Respond to all communication attempts
– No pressure on child to use

Week 3-4: Core Vocabulary Focus
– Model essential needs board daily
– Respond immediately when child uses system
– Celebrate all communication
– Add yes/no cards
– Build trust that communication works

Week 5-6: Expanding Vocabulary
– Add topic boards based on interests
– Incorporate into daily routines
– Model during activities
– Honor pointing, gestures, eye gaze
– Increase opportunities to communicate

Week 7-8: Multi-Word Messages
– Model combining symbols
– Introduce sentence strips
– Expand expressive communication
– Support grammar development
– Encourage longer messages

Week 9-12: Generalization
– Use across all settings
– Reduce prompting
– Support independent communication initiation
– Add social communication scripts
– Build communication confidence

Week 13+: Mastery and Independence
– Independent functional communication
– Initiation across contexts
– Complex message construction
– Social communication competence
– Advocacy for own communication needs

Success Indicators:

Early Progress (Weeks 1-4):
– Tolerates presence of communication boards
– Beginning to point or indicate occasionally
– Shows understanding when adults model
– Some reduction in frustration behaviors
– Increased engagement when boards available

Mid-Term Success (Weeks 5-8):
– Uses boards to request regularly
– Beginning to initiate communication
– Combining some symbols
– Using across multiple settings
– Reduced behavioral communication

Long-Term Outcomes (Week 9+):
– Functional communication across contexts
– Independent communication initiation
– Multi-word messages
– Social communication participation
– Expresses emotions and thoughts
– Self-advocates for needs
– Reduced frustration and behavior challenges
– Increased autonomy and quality of life

Materials and Format:

Physical Components:
– 6 core boards (laminated, hole-punched)
– 12 topic boards (11″ × 17″ laminated)
– 3 literacy boards (laminated)
– 20 social scripts (laminated cards)
– Communication accessories (cards, keychain, wallet cards)
– 80-page spiral-bound guide
– 3-ring binder for organization
– Velcro dots for customization

Digital Components:
– Immediate download access
– PDF versions of all boards
– Editable board templates
– 500+ symbol library
– Video training modules
– Custom board creation tools
– Printable materials (unlimited)
– Online community access
– Lifetime updates and new content

Quality:
– Professional AAC symbol design
– Clear, uncluttered visual layout
– Durable laminated boards
– Organized system
– Evidence-based content
– Respectful, presuming competence approach

Product Specifications:
– Core boards: 8.5″ × 11″ laminated (6 boards)
– Topic boards: 11″ × 17″ laminated (12 boards)
– Literacy boards: 8.5″ × 11″ laminated (3 boards)
– Social scripts: 4″ × 6″ laminated cards (20 cards)
– Portable cards: Various sizes for different uses
– Parent guide: 80-page spiral-bound manual
– Binder: 3-ring, 2″ capacity
– Digital access: Lifetime portal access
– Symbol library: 500+ downloadable symbols

Important Notes:
– This system is designed as a comprehensive low-tech AAC solution
– Can be used alone or alongside high-tech AAC devices
– Does not replace speech therapy or AAC evaluation
– Should be provided with presumption of competence
– All communication attempts should be honored and responded to
– Modeling is essential—adults must use the system too
– Communication is a human right—access should never be restricted

Investment: $79

Comprehensive AAC communication system providing functional, respectful communication access for minimally verbal and nonspeaking individuals.

Includes all physical boards and materials, comprehensive guide, digital access with symbol library, and ongoing support.

Perfect for neurodivergent children and teens (ages 3+) who are minimally verbal, nonspeaking, or need AAC support and benefit from visual communication systems.

Shipping: Physical materials ship within 5-7 business days. Digital access is immediate upon purchase.