Aided language stimulation is a strategy to introduce AAC tools. This is when the communication partners model a child’s communication system functionally throughout the day. Partners communicate to the child in the same mode as they are expected to use back. Partners point to symbols on the tool as they talk to the child. There is lots of research that shows it’s efficacy (www.joannecafiero.com). It just makes sense to teach language in the same manner as typically developing children learn language. Typically developing kids have a receptive (understanding) vocabulary of about 50 words before they say anything. Why use aided language stimulation?