One of the most common questions we hear when supporting emergent AAC users is: How do we know they meant it? When a communicator is still developing the ability to consistently produce messages—and may not yet be able to confirm or deny what they just said—it can leave communication partners feeling uncertain. This is especially true for individuals who use alternative access methods like eye gaze, scanning, live voice scanning, or direct touch with motor challenges.

Emergent communicators are learners—often relying on facial expressions, gestures, vocalizations, and sometimes inconsistent or early use of symbols. They're exploring communication, testing how the world responds, and figuring out how much power their voice—whether spoken, gestured, or selected on a device—can hold.

So how do we tell when those early, fragile messages are intentional? Here are five signs to watch for:

1. They Repeat the Message

Emergent communicators often repeat meaningful messages, both within a single moment and across multiple situations. If a student repeatedly selects “music,” “outside,” or “stop” in different settings or tries to express that same idea with their body or facial expression, they’re showing us that message matters to them.

Repetition is how all of us learn—and how communicators show what they’re motivated to share.

2. They Show Satisfaction When Understood

A communicator might not say “yes, that’s right,” but they may light up with a smile, engage physically, vocalize happily, or otherwise show satisfaction when their message is received and honored. Watch how their body reacts when you acknowledge their communication. Are they leaning in, reaching, laughing, or becoming more animated? Those are signs of intent.

3. They Show Dissatisfaction When Misunderstood

When their message isn’t received or responded to as intended, many AAC users will show frustration or disappointment. This might look like turning away, increased vocalizations, a physical protest, or even trying again with different words, gestures, or actions. These behaviors are not signs of “noncompliance” or “challenging behavior”—they are communicative.

4. The Message Matches the Context

Intent is also revealed when a message “makes sense” given the situation. A student says “all done” at the end of a lesson, or chooses “more” during a favorite activity. When the message fits what we know about the student’s preferences, the setting, and the moment, we can lean into the possibility that the communicator meant exactly what they said.

5. They Confirm the Message Another Way

Even if a student can’t verbally confirm their message, they may do so with a nod, eye gaze, body language, or consistent affect. A child who points to “go” and then immediately wheels themselves toward the door is reinforcing their intent through action. Confirmation doesn’t have to come in words—it can come in any mode of communication available to the student.

Why We Must Assume Intent

This is where mindset matters. Some professionals call it “assuming competence,” others prefer “assuming potential.” No matter the term, the idea is rooted in an important ethical stance: First, do no harm.

When we expect that a communicator means what they say, we honor their voice—even if it's still developing. We model the belief that their words and selections are important. We reinforce patterns of communication and response that are essential to learning.

Think of it this way: if a student selects “stop” and everyone freezes, they learn that “stop” holds power. But if we ignore that message because we weren’t sure they meant it, we miss an opportunity to build that connection—and we risk discouraging future communication.

The Bottom Line

For emergent AAC users, the path to reliable, intentional communication is built on trust, repetition, and meaningful response. Our job is not to wait for perfect messages. Our job is to recognize the five signs of intent and to create a world where early communication attempts are seen, heard, and respected.

When we believe they mean it, we show them that communication matters—and that they matter.