5 Simple Communication Tools You Can Make at Home for Your Child with Autism

What Is AAC and Why It Matters

No Fancy Equipment Needed - Just Love, Creativity, and Things Already in Your Kitchen!

 

A Mother's Discovery

"For three years, I watched my son cry and point at things I couldn't understand. Every tantrum broke my heart a little more. Then one day, I made him a simple picture card from an old Indomie carton. When he handed it to me and I gave him water, his face lit up like Christmas morning. That was the day everything changed."

- Ngozi, mother of 4-year-old Chinedu, Lagos

If you're reading this, you probably know that feeling. The helplessness when your child wants something but can't tell you what. The frustration when they cry and you've tried everything - food, water, toy, cuddle - and nothing works.

Here's what I want you to know today: You already have everything you need to help your child communicate.

No expensive gadgets. No trips to specialty stores. Just you, your love, and some everyday items sitting in your home right now.

 

What Exactly is AAC? (And Why It's Your New Best Friend)

Think of AAC - Augmentative and Alternative Communication - as giving your child a bridge when words feel like an ocean away.

It's anything that helps them "talk" without necessarily using speech:

- Picture cards they can hand you

- Pointing boards  showing choices

- Sign language or gestures

- Even high-tech apps (though we're keeping things simple today!)

The beautiful truth research keeps proving:

AAC doesn't stop children from talking. It actually helps them want to communicate more because they finally feel understood.

Imagine trying to speak a language no one around you understands. Eventually, you'd give up trying, right? But if someone gave you a dictionary with pictures? Suddenly, you'd start "talking" again - and over time, you might even start learning their language.

That's exactly what AAC does for our children.

 

Tool 1: Picture Cards (Your Child's First "Words")

 What They Look Like

Small cards showing everyday things - a cup for "drink," a plate for "eat," a ball for "play." Simple. Clear. Powerful.

How to Make Them (15 Minutes, Zero Naira!)

Grab these from around your house:

- Empty cereal boxes (Golden Morn, Corn Flakes -any carton)

- Old magazines or newspapers

- Scissors

- Glue or tape

- A marker

Here's what you do:

1. Cut the carton into squares-  about the size of a biscuit (no need to be perfect!)

2. Find or draw pictures - Cut out images from magazines, or simply draw with your marker. A cup. A toilet. A bed. Keep them BOLD and clear.

3. Add the word underneath in big letters: WATER. FOOD. PLAY.

4. Make them last longer - Cover with transparent nylon or clear tape (the kind for wrapping gifts works perfectly)

5. Keep them together - Punch a hole in the corner, thread some ribbon or wool, and tie them up

 Your First Week Game Plan

Start with just 5 cards - things your child asks for most:

- WATER

- FOOD  

- TOILET

- PLAY

- HELP

Every time your child wants water, show them the card. Say "WATER!" with a big smile. Help them hand you the card. Then celebrate like they just scored a goal! "Yes! Water! Good job!"

Do this 10, 20, 30 times a day. Your child's brain is learning: This picture means I get what I want.

 Real Parent Wisdom

"I started with three cards. My daughter threw them the first day. I kept modeling. By week two, she brought me the 'food' card during breakfast. I cried."

- Amina, Kano

Why This Works:

- Costs almost nothing  

- You control what words to teach first  

- Easy to carry in your bag everywhere  

- Builds your child's confidence

Heads Up:

- Cards can get lost - keep spares!  

- Takes patience - some kids learn in days, others in weeks

 

 Tool 2: The Choice Board (End Mealtime Battles Forever!)

 The Scenario You Know Too Well

It's lunch time. You've cooked jollof rice. Your child pushes it away and screams. You try yam. More screaming. Plantain? Screaming. You're sweating, they're crying, and lunch is now cold.

Here's your superhero solution: A Choice Board.

 How to Make It

You'll need:

- One piece of strong cardboard (the back of a notebook or an empty carton)

- Pictures of your child's favorite foods

- Glue or tape

Steps:

1. Draw a grid - 6 or 9 squares (use a ruler if you're fancy, free-hand if you're like me!)

2. Fill each square with a picture of food or activity:

   - Rice

   - Yam  

   - Garri

   - Plantain

   - Healthy snacks 

   - Water

   - Healthy Beverages

   - Fruit

   - Egg

3. Label clearly - Write the name under each picture

4. Make it sturdy - Cover with nylon or laminate if possible

 How to Use It

Before every meal: "What do you want to eat?" Hold up the board. Point to each option as you name it.

Wait. Give them time. Let them look. Touch. Point.

When they point or touch - JACKPOT! "Rice! You want rice! Okay!"

 The Magic That Happens

Your child learns: My choices matter. Someone is listening.

That's powerful. That's life-changing.

Why Parents Love It:

- Stops the guessing game  

- Reduces tantrums by 80% (based on parent reports!)  

- Teaches decision-making  

- Makes your child feel respected

Keep in Mind:

- Update pictures as preferences change  

- You might need different boards (food, toys, activities)

 

Tool 3: The "First-Then" Board (The Transition Miracle Worker)

 Why This is Pure Gold

"My son would scream every time I said 'bath time.' It was a 30-minute battle every single evening until I made a First-Then board. Now? No tears. Just cooperation."

- Blessing, Port Harcourt

 The Simple Science

Children with autism often struggle with transitions. Their brain is saying: "Wait, I was playing! Where did play go? What's happening now? This is scary!"

A First-Then board shows them: "Don't worry. First this, THEN the thing you love."

 How to Make It

Supplies:

- Cardboard

- Two pictures

- Velcro dots (optional but awesome) OR just tape

What to Do:

1. Draw two big boxes side by side

2. Label them:

   - Box 1: "FIRST" 

   - Box 2: "THEN"

3. Add pictures that you can change:

   - FIRST: Bath

   - THEN: TV

   

   OR

   

   - FIRST: Homework  

   - THEN: Play

Real-Life Examples

Morning routine:

First: Brush teeth → Then: Breakfast

Before school:

First: Get dressed → Then: Cartoon time

Bedtime:

First: Bath → Then: Story

 Parent Success Story

"I use it for everything now. First finish food, then iPad. First cleanup, then playground. My son even brings it to me now to show me what he wants to do next!"

- Funmi, Ibadan

The Wins:

- Less crying, more cooperation  

- Teaches patience and sequencing  

- Reduces anxiety about change  

- Helps your child predict their day

The Real Talk:

- You have to actually follow through (no "first bath, then TV" if you don't give TV!)  

- Takes a few days for the child to trust the system

 

Tool 4: The Communication Book (Your Child's Personal Voice)

 Picture This

You're at the market. Your child starts pulling your hand, getting agitated. What do they want? The bananas? The sweets? To leave? You're guessing, they're frustrated, everyone's staring.

Now imagine: Your child opens a small book, flips to a page, and points to a picture of "banana." Clear. Simple. Done.

That's the power of a communication book.

Building Your Book

What You Need:

- A small photo album (the kind for 4x6 photos) OR a small notebook

- Your picture cards organized by category

- Clear tape or glue

Organize by Pages:

Page 1: FOOD

- Rice, beans, yam, plantain, egg, biscuit, fruit, water, juice

Page 2: FEELINGS

- Happy, sad, angry, tired, scared, sick

Page 3: ACTIONS

- Eat, drink, play, sleep, go, stop, help, toilet

Page 4: PEOPLE

- Mama, Papa, brother, sister, teacher, friend

Page 5: PLACES

- Home, school, park, church, market, grandma's house

 How It Grows with Your Child

Beginner: Child points to single pictures  

Intermediate: Child points to two pictures: "Mama" + "Help"  

Advanced: Child creates sentences: "Go" + "Park" + "Play"

Parents’ stories 

"We started with 10 pictures. Now my daughter has 60 pictures in her book. Last week, she showed me 'Mama' + 'Sick' + 'Help' when she had a stomach ache. I understood immediately. No crying, no guessing."

- Chioma, Enugu

Why This Rocks:

- Portable - goes everywhere with your child  

- Organizes vocabulary clearly  

- Grows as your child grows  

- Becomes their "voice" in the world

Reality Check:

- Takes time to prepare initially  

- Needs updates and maintenance  

- You have to actually carry it everywhere

 

Tool 5: The Feelings Wheel (Teaching Emotions Before Meltdowns)

 The Problem We All Face

Your child is melting down. Full tantrum. But you don't know why. Are they:

- Angry?

- Scared?  

- Tired?

- Overwhelmed?

- In pain?

A Feelings Wheel gives them a way to tell you BEFORE the explosion.

 Creating Your Wheel

Materials:

- Cardboard circle (trace around a pot!)

- Marker or pictures of faces

- Paper fastener or paper clip for spinning arrow (optional)

Steps:

1. Divide your circle into 6 sections (like slicing a pizza)

2. In each section, draw or paste a face:

   - 😊 HAPPY

   - 😢 SAD

   - 😠 ANGRY

   - 😰 SCARED

   - 😴 TIRED

   - 🤒 SICK

3. Label each one clearly

4. Add a spinner arrow OR just let your child point

 Daily Emotional Check-Ins

Morning: "How do you feel today?" (Spin/point to the feeling)

After school: "How was school? Show me."

Before bed: "How is your body feeling?"

 Teaching the Skill

You go first! Model it daily:

"Mama is tired today." (Point to tired face)  

"Papa is happy!" (Point to happy face)  

"Brother is angry because..." (Point to angry face)

Your child learns: Oh, these faces mean something. And I can use them too.

 Breakthrough Moment

"My son used to hit when he was frustrated. We couldn't figure out why. After two months of using the feelings wheel, he now points to 'angry' instead of hitting. Game changer."

-Ibrahim, Abuja

The Benefits:

-Prevents meltdowns  

-Builds emotional vocabulary  

-Creates calm conversation opportunities  

-Helps you understand your child deeper

The Learning Curve:

-Abstract concept - younger kids need more modeling  

-Takes weeks of consistent use  

-You have to respond when they share feelings

 

How to Make AAC Actually Work (The Secret Sauce)

 1. Model, Model, Model

Don't just hand your child cards and wait. YOU use them constantly:

"Mama wants water!" (Hold up water card)  

"Time to eat!" (Point to food picture)  

"Let's go outside!" (Show the "go" card)

Your child needs to see AAC in action 50 times before they try it once.

2. Respond Like They Just Said Their First Word

When your child hands you a card or points to a picture - celebrate like crazy!

"YES! Water! You told me water! Good job!" (Do a little dance if you want!)

That immediate, joyful response wires their brain: Communication works. I have power.

 3. Keep It Visible

Picture cards on the fridge. Choice board on the dining table. Feelings wheel in the bedroom.

If it's hidden in a drawer, it won't work. Make AAC part of your environment.

 4. Start Small, Dream Big

Week 1: 5 cards  

Week 4: 10 cards  

Month 3: 20 cards  

Month 6: A full communication book

Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither is communication.

 5. Expand Their Language

When your child shows you "eat," you say:  

"Eat! You want to eat RICE!"

You just taught them a two-word phrase without them even knowing.

 

The Honest Truth: Pros and Cons

 

The Beautiful Stuff

The Real Talk

Costs almost nothing

Takes time to make

You can start TODAY

You have to be consistent

Customized for YOUR child

Cards can get lost or damaged

Builds amazing parent-child connection

Might need updates regularly

Research-proven to work

Some children prefer tech devices later

Reduces frustration for everyone

Family members need training too

 

"But Will My Child Ever Talk?"

This is the question every parent asks.

Here's what research tells us clearly:

AAC does NOT stop speech. It encourages it.

Think about it: When your child is frustrated and communication feels impossible, they give up trying. But when they successfully communicate with a picture card? Their brain lights up. They feel empowered. They want to communicate MORE.

And more communication attempts = more opportunities for speech to emerge.

Major studies show:

- Children using AAC are MORE likely to develop speech than those without any communication system

- AAC reduces frustration that blocks learning

- Many children who start with picture cards eventually transition to speech - while keeping AAC as a backup

Your child's communication journey is unique. Some will add speech quickly. Others will use AAC long-term. Both paths are valuable. Both are beautiful.

What matters most:Your child can tell you they love you, they're hungry, they need help, they're scared.

That's everything.

 

 Questions Parents Ask Me

 "My child just throws the cards. What do I do?"

Start with fun, not function. Let them decorate cards. Put stickers on them. Make a game. Once cards feel like play, start using them for real communication.

 "How long before I see results?"

Every child is different. Some get it in days. Others take months. Consistency is everything - 5 minutes daily beats 1 hour weekly.

 "Should I use Nigerian languages or English?"

Use what you speak at home! If you speak Yoruba, label in Yoruba. If you mix English and Igbo, do both. Communication matters more than the language.

 "My family thinks I'm wasting time. They say I should just make my child talk."

Show them this article. Better yet, show them results. When your child successfully communicates for the first time using AAC, everyone becomes a believer.

 "Can I use phone apps instead?"

Absolutely - later! Start low-tech so you understand how AAC works. Then add apps as you go. Many families use both. However be mindful of screen time.

 

Your Action Plan Starting Tomorrow

Week 1:

- Make 5 picture cards

- Model them 20 times daily

- Celebrate every communication attempt

Week 2:

- Add a choice board for meals

- Introduce the feelings wheel

- Keep modeling

Week 3:

- Create a First-Then board

- Start building communication book pages

- Invite family members to use AAC too

Month 2:

- Expand vocabulary

- Look for two-word combinations

- Document progress (take photos/videos!)

 

The Heart of It All

You know what makes homemade AAC tools special?

It's not the cardboard or the pictures.

It's the love you put into cutting, pasting, and decorating.

It's the hope in your heart as you imagine your child's first successful communication.

It's the tears of joy when that moment finally comes.

Your child doesn't need expensive devices to have a voice. They need you - showing up, modeling, celebrating, persisting.

You're already their first teacher, their biggest cheerleader, their safe space.

Now you're also their voice builder.

And that's the most beautiful thing.

 

References

All the strategies in this article are based on solid research from speech therapy and autism communication studies:

1. Schlosser RW, Wendt O. Effects of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on speech production in individuals with autism. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. 2008;17(3):212-230.

2. Ganz JB, Davis JL, Lund EM, Goodwyn FD, Simpson RL. Meta-analysis of PECS with individuals with ASD: Effects on communication. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2012;42(6):1024-1039.

3. Sigafoos J, O'Reilly MF, Lancioni GE, et al. Assessing AAC interventions for individuals with autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. 2014;8(7):1027-1038.

4. Light J, McNaughton D. The changing face of AAC: Past, present, and future challenges. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. 2012;28(4):197-204.

 

 Final Thought:

Communication is not about perfect speech. It's about connection. It's about understanding and being understood. It's about your child knowing they matter, their thoughts matter, their needs matter.

You don't need a degree or a big bank account to give your child that gift.

You just need love, patience, and some cardboard.

“You've got this, mama. You've got this, papa.

Start today. One picture card at a time."

 

Did this article help you? Share it with another parent who needs hope today. 

Have questions? Drop them in the comments - let's support each other through this journey!

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