When children are first learning to use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), their messages don’t always come in the form of words or symbols. In fact, many of their earliest and most powerful attempts at communication may be facial expressions, body movements, gestures, vocalizations—or even behaviors that challenge us, like hitting, dropping to the floor, or pushing away materials. While these expressions may not seem like “language” at first glance, they are often intentional and meaningful communication.

As AAC partners, it’s our job to recognize these messages and respond in a way that helps the child learn more effective ways to communicate. One powerful strategy to support this process is called “Respect and Reflect.”

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What is “Respect and Reflect”?

“Respect and Reflect” is a simple, powerful idea:

• First, we respect the child’s attempt to communicate—even if it doesn’t come through speech or symbols.
• Then, we reflect that message back to them using their AAC system (or another symbolic form of communication) to model a clearer, more widely understood way to share that message.
  

This technique is a form of structured aided language input, meaning we use the child’s AAC system to model what they might say, based on their initial communication. Importantly, we are not requiring them to imitate us—we are simply showing them another way to say what they already tried to express.

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Where Does the Strategy Come From?

The “Respect and Reflect” strategy was introduced by Dr. Jill Senner and Matthew Baud as part of the SMoRRES® framework—an evidence-based set of communication partner strategies designed to support AAC learners. SMoRRES stands for:

• ‍Slow Rate‍
• Model‍
• Respect and Reflect‍
• Repeat‍
• Expand‍
• Stop
  

The SMoRRES® strategies build on research in Aided Language Stimulation and Partner-Augmented Input, two widely used professional techniques in AAC instruction. These methods emphasize that communication partners play an essential role by modeling language on AAC systems in real time during natural interactions.

By modeling the intended message using symbolic language, we make the child’s communication clearer to others without devaluing the original attempt.

You can learn more about the SMoRRES® framework and find training resources by visiting the Technology and Language Center (TALC).

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Why Is “Respect and Reflect” Important?

Many children who use AAC begin by communicating in ways that are perfectly clear to familiar caregivers or teachers—those who know them well. A raised eyebrow, a push, or a glance can carry a lot of meaning when you know what to look for.

But these same signals are often confusing to peers, extended family, substitute teachers, or community members. The goal of AAC is not to replace these rich, early forms of communication, but to build on them—helping children express themselves more clearly and effectively with a wider range of people.

Using symbols—whether on a speech-generating device, communication board, or through spelling—makes their communication more effective. We say “effective” instead of “better” or “positive” because gestures and facial expressions aren’t wrong—they just aren’t as easily understood by others.

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How to Use the “Respect and Reflect” Strategy

Here’s a simple, practical process you can follow:

1. Watch and Listen Closely

Pay attention to any action, expression, or behavior that might be a message. What do you think the child is trying to tell you?

2. Acknowledge the Message

Let the child know you see what they’re communicating. “I see you pushing your plate away—you’re all done!”

3. Model the Message on the AAC System

Without requiring the child to do anything, model the same message using their AAC system. “All done,” you might say while selecting those words.

4. Get Their Attention First

Before you model, make sure the child is looking or listening. This keeps it meaningful, even though you aren’t asking them to respond.

5. Pause and Wait

Give the child a few seconds to respond if they’d like. They may imitate the model, try using their device, or simply watch—and that’s okay.

6. Keep Modeling Consistently

Every time you model a symbolic version of their communication, you give them a new way to express themselves. Repetition and exposure matter!

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Final Thoughts

“Respect and Reflect” is a powerful way to honor what a child is already telling us while gently guiding them toward more effective, widely understood communication. It’s not about correcting their communication. It’s about expanding their tools—so they can be understood by everyone, not just the people who know them best.

When we respect what a child is trying to say and reflect it using their AAC system, we send an important message: Your voice matters—in every form it takes.

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To learn more about the SMoRRES® framework and explore free and paid training opportunities for families, educators, and SLPs, visit:

https://www.talcaac.com/smorres/

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