Your voice matters at every age

Are you a teenager or an adult looking for communication support? You belong in this conversation. At Auesomely You Cares, we don’t put an age limit on communication. Growing older does not make your thoughts, questions, relationships, or preferences less important.

Too often, images of communication support focus only on young children. We want our message to reach the teenager making plans with friends, the adult sharing an opinion, and the person exploring a different way to communicate for the first time. Communication access belongs throughout life.

AAC is not only for childhood

Augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC, includes ways of supporting communication alongside or instead of speech. ASHA’s National Joint Committee explains that there are no specific age or skill prerequisites for getting started with AAC. Individual needs still matter when choosing tools and support.

You may already use gestures, writing, pictures, signs, or a communication device. Exploring another option does not erase the ways you communicate now. The goal is to give you more ways to express what matters to you.

More than asking for food or a break

What would you like to talk about? Music, friendships, work, college, a favorite show, a relationship, or a plan for your future? A communication tool should leave room for your personality, not just a short list of things other people want you to request.

Being able to say no, ask a private question, disagree, or change your mind matters, too. Support should make room for those messages and for topics you choose yourself.

Start with your priorities

Write down or share a few situations where communication is difficult and what you would like to say more easily. Bring those priorities to an AAC-experienced speech-language pathologist or your support team. Ask about vocabulary, language, comfortable access, and options that suit your life.

If a family member or caregiver helps, keep your preferences at the center. You should be included in conversations about your communication.

Our commitment: communication without an age ceiling

Our mission includes communication access for nonspeaking and minimally speaking autistic and disabled individuals, including teens and adults. You can explore our free printable AAC boards and online communication board. These starter tools will not fit every person or replace a comprehensive individual system.

Have questions about our mission or programs? Contact our team. Specific events and device opportunities may have their own requirements and availability. Our belief remains the same: your right to be heard does not expire on a birthday.

PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Download the free AAC starter boards.

A welcome page and four themed boards with colorful picture-and-word symbols.

Explore the free AAC board

Keep exploring

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