Communicating a choice

What is Communication?

• Communication is more than talking – it includes gestures, body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.  Children may communicate to express needs/choices, likes/dislikes, feelings, questions and ideas.

What is AAC?

• AAC (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) includes any method that supports or replaces speech – such as symbols, gestures, or objects. It gives children who find speech difficult a way to communicate independently.

What is a Choice Board?

• A choice board and choosing is a visual tool/method (using objects, photos, or symbols) that helps children make choices.   It shows that communication has a purpose – for example, successfully getting something they really want (a toy or food item etc.)

Making and Using Choice Boards

1. Create meaningful choices:

Start with items your child enjoys – food, toys, places. Use the board/jars within different routines, not just one (e.g., not only at mealtimes).

2. Prepare the board/jar etc:

• Use photos, symbols, or real objects, this is depedendant on the individuals understanding of these representations (the progression may be objects, photos and then symbols).

• You can laminate any photos/symbols for durability, or use a transparent lidded jar or box for objects.

• Use Velcro for removable options – helps reduce or increase choices depending on how the child is feeling.

3. How to use it:

• Offer 2–6 choices. Point to each and name them clearly.

• When your child chooses (by pointing, reaching, eye-pointing), name it again and give it to them.

• If symbols aren’t yet understood, offer real objects first, then show the matching symbol.

• Avoid moving their hand or ‘testing’ them (e.g., “point to the apple”). This can reduce motivation.

• Model using the board yourself and accept all forms of communication.

• Build in daily opportunities to practise – e.g., snack, play, going outside.

• Always respond to their selection, even if it’s accidental – this helps build understanding.

4. Be patient and consistent:

It may take time, but regular access helps your child learn that communication is powerful and meaningful.  Positive opportunities and repetition is key to success.

Communicating a choice using gestures and body language is a powerful and universal way to convey decisions without the need for words. This form of non-verbal communication can transcend language barriers and provide clarity in situations where verbal communication is challenging.

Choosing an object from a choice jar can be an engaging and effective way to make request and the need to communicate with another person. 

A choice jar typically contains an highly motivating object/s, representing a favoured item.

To effectively choose an object/toy from the jar/box, the individual may communicate their interest through a variety of methods e.g. glancing at jar/box, tapping, pushing it towards you, or giving the jar/box to the attentive listening partner.

When the individual makes their choice, open the jar/box, name the object and give to individual.

Repeat this activity, by saying "my turn" (you could model playing with item) and then through placing item back into jar/box, you may encourage individual to communicate again.