KidCueMy child can read words but does not use many phrases. Is this common?
Yes. Recognition and expressive language can develop unevenly. Build communication around daily function, not only academic vocabulary.
Speech Delay and Communication: What Helped Us
If your child has strong recognition but limited daily phrases, this hub covers practical parent strategies around AAC, scripts, and functional communication.
6 posts in this hub
Start Here
If you are overwhelmed, start with these. They are the quickest way to get traction.
2026-02-20
Hyperlexia + Speech Delay: What Helped Us Move From Single Words to Useful Phrases
A parent perspective on hyperlexia, speech delay, scripts, and gestalt language processing, plus practical ways to build functional communication at home.
2026-02-10
When an Autistic Child’s Tablet Is More Than Screen Time
For some autistic children, a tablet supports AAC, visual schedules, choices, and regulation. Judge the purpose and access needs, not only the screen-time total.
Try This First
- 1. Prioritize functional phrases for daily needs before expanding vocabulary lists.
- 2. Accept scripts as communication attempts, then model flexible alternatives.
- 3. Keep visual supports and caregiver language consistent across home routines.
Useful Pages for This Situation
If you want a more direct routine or timer setup, start with one of these practical pages.
Visual schedule for autism
Build more concrete and predictable routines for everyday transitions.
Open practical pageVisual schedule app for autism
See how schedule and timer supports can live in one practical workflow.
Open practical pageVisual supports for autism independence
Use schedules, first-then, and timers together to build follow-through.
Open practical pageFirst-then board for kids
A simple visual bridge when full verbal instruction is too much.
Open practical pageBrowse by Age & Context
Toddlers & Preschool
School-Age Kids
No school-age-specific posts tagged yet for this hub.
Tools That Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Should we discourage scripting?
Usually no. Treat scripts as communication attempts, then shape toward more flexible language.
Can AAC slow speech development?
Evidence and clinical practice generally show AAC supports communication growth rather than blocking speech.
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