When you speak, you probably don’t think about how long it takes to get your words out. You start talking, and your message arrives almost instantly. But for someone who uses AAC, time is always part of the equation. It takes longer to construct a message using a device, and that means we have to be intentional about how we set up their systems.

The goal? Maximize efficiency without sacrificing meaning.

And efficiency doesn’t mean “limiting”—it means giving AAC users quick, reliable access to the messages that matter most. That’s where high-frequency words and messages come in.

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Time Changes the Communication Game

For a young AAC user, communication is as much about learning as it is about sharing. They have time—years—to practice building language, experimenting with words, and developing literacy skills. At that stage, finding and constructing the exact, highly specific message might be worth the extra seconds because it’s part of their growth.

But as people get older, efficiency in communication becomes increasingly important. Conversation in school, work, or social life depends on keeping things moving. That’s where pre-stored, high-frequency content can make all the difference.

👉 At the same time, partners must remember: efficiency should never eclipse autonomy. Many AAC users value what disability communities call “crip time”—a slower, more spacious pacing. Respecting wait time means honoring the communicator’s rhythm, not rushing them.

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Four Categories of High-Frequency Messages

When we talk about “high-frequency” in AAC, we’re really talking about four overlapping categories. These should always be living lists—co-designed and updated with the AAC user.

1. Core Vocabulary

The workhorse words—the 200–400 most common in our language. Words like go, want, help, stop, that, not, more. With just this set, users can build almost anything they want to say.

2. General Social Phrases

The everyday stock phrases that grease the wheels of conversation:

• “Hi, how are you?”

• “I’m fine.”

• “OK.”

• “I don’t know.”

• “See you later.”

These quick hits help AAC users keep up with the rhythm of social exchanges.

3. Personally Important, High-Frequency Content

This is where individuality shines. Some people talk constantly about sports. Others about pets, movies, or hobbies. For me? I could fill a whole page with tennis terms, U.S. Open, anyone?

4. Activity- or Place-Specific Messages

Quick, pre-stored phrases tied to specific routines or environments.

At an office:

• “Did anyone call this morning?”

• “Can you print that for me?”

• “How many are on the waiting list?”

At a restaurant:

• “I’d prefer a booth.”

• “How long is the wait?”

• “Sweet tea, please.”

These aren’t about restricting language—they’re about keeping interactions flowing. And they must be in addition to, not instead of, a robust generative vocabulary.

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The Big Picture: Efficiency + Expression + Autonomy

When programming AAC systems, it’s not enough to load in the “standard” high-frequency content and call it done. We need to ask the user:

• What do you talk about most often?

• What environments matter most to you?

• Do your quick-access messages actually match your life?

A balanced AAC system delivers:

• Sufficiency – can say anything.

• Efficiency – can say the important stuff fast.

• Autonomy – can choose to say it slowly, fully, or differently.

And don’t forget conversation repair (“Wait, let me try again”) and emergency messages (“I need help now”). These must always be instantly accessible.

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Closing Thoughts

Every AAC user deserves the chance to be both fully expressive and fully engaged—without conversations grinding to a halt. High-frequency messages—whether universal core words, personal topics, or context-specific quick phrases—form the foundation for keeping communication flowing, relationships thriving, and opportunities open.

When we make both time and efficiency part of our priorities, we don’t just make AAC faster. We make it more natural, more powerful, and more human.