When AAC Looks Random: How to Honor Intent and Spark Autonomy

Discover how to recognize and honor intent in early AAC use—even when it looks “random.” This session will help you shift from correction to connection, so you can build trust, spark autonomy, and support authentic communication with students on your caseload who use AAC.

Explore Course

This course was live on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. ET. The replay is available through Feb. 6, 2026. ASHA submittal is due Feb. 15.

AAC isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about connection. This session offers a fresh perspective on how we interpret “random,” repetitive, or unclear AAC use, especially when working with emergent communicators. Rather than dismissing unexpected messages as mistakes or misfires, we’ll explore how these moments can reveal intent, curiosity, and growth.

You’ll discover how to support authentic communication by celebrating early attempts, shifting away from correction, and embracing the messy, powerful process of language development. Through meaningful examples and practical tools, this session empowers professionals to build trust, deepen engagement, and support autonomy with AAC users on their caseload.

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Presenters

Rachel Madel
M.A., CCC-SLP
Rachel Madel M.A.,CCC-SLP is a Los Angeles-based speech-language pathologist dedicated to coaching parents and professionals on how to incorporate technology to best support speech and language development. Rachel has presented both nationally and abroad to over 40,000 educators and parents on the use of augmentative alternative communication (AAC). When she’s not working with individuals in her private practice she co-hosts a weekly podcast called “Talking With Tech” that focuses on best practices in AAC and has over 1.5 million downloads.She is the founder of a digital media company that provides educational resources, therapy materials and courses to help support parents and professionals. Her work has been featured in the International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ISAAC), United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (USSAAC), Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA), PrAACtical AAC, Autism Parenting Magazine, Uniquely Human, Sensational Brain, Closing the Gap and #TalkingAAC.

Learning Objectives

Describe the role of attributed meaning in supporting communicative intent during early AAC use.
Identify common professional assumptions that may lead to the dismissal of valid AAC communication attempts.
Apply neurodiversity-affirming strategies to interpret and support intent in early, inconsistent, or “random” AAC behaviors.
Explain how shifting from a compliance-based approach to an intent-focused approach impacts student autonomy and team collaboration.

Agenda

10 minutes	Welcome, presenter introduction, and reframing AAC “randomness” as a natural part of communication development
15 minutes	Introduction to attributed meaning and the role of intent in AAC, including video demonstrations and reflective discussion
15 minutes	Following the child’s lead, recognizing early AAC behaviors as meaningful, and discussing the risks of corrective feedback
15 minutes	Participant reflection on past interactions, application of key strategies, and redefining AAC success
5 minutes	Closing thoughts, resource sharing, and open Q&A

Disclosures

Financial:	Rachel Madel has the following financial relationships to disclose: Rachel Madel Speech Therapy Inc. (Private Practice) Sell Resources on Blog: rachelmadel.com/shop Teachers Pay Teachers Store Boom Card Store AAC ALLY Talking with Tech Podcast Sponsorship Pearson - Former Podcast Sponsor WPS - Former Podcast Sponsor Smart Box - Former Podcast Sponsor Double Time Docs - Former Podcast Sponsor Speech Blubs - Former Podcast Sponsor Smarty Symbols- Former Podcast Sponsor PicSeePal - Former Podcast Sponsor Vooks - Former Podcast Sponsor Course Royalties Verge Learning Sensational Brain Business Consulting Speaker Honorariums
Non-Financial:	ASHA Member
Content:	Rachel will be sharing free resources on my freebie vault that links to my email list

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

To earn ASHA CEUs you must complete the courses by viewing them, provide course feedback, pass the exams with a score of 80 or more, provide your ASHA credentials, and confirm submission.