Buy Now

The Research Behind Our AAC Design

Our AAC system wasn’t created in a vacuum — it’s built on decades of research in motor planning, cognitive load theory, and evidence-based AAC intervention. We combined this real science with our lived experience as parents of nonverbal children to create a device that reduces frustration and supports true, independent communication.

Below is the research foundation that guided every part of the design.

1. Motor Planning: The Core Principle (LAMP & Similar Systems)

Research on AAC — especially programs like LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) — shows that:

     

      • Consistent button locations help the brain build automatic motor patterns

      • Motor plans become faster than visual scanning, reducing cognitive load

      • Children develop more spontaneous, self-generated communication

      • The brain benefits from repetition + stable pathways, similar to learning to type or play an instrument

    Why this matters for your child:
    When the location of words never changes, your child no longer has to search for vocabulary. They simply move their fingers the way their brain remembers — freeing up cognitive energy to think about what they want to say.

    How we applied this:
    Our AAC keeps core words in fixed, predictable positions so motor plans can develop naturally, just like in LAMP and other motor-planning AACs.

    2. Cognitive Load Theory: Reduce the Overwhelm

    Research in cognitive psychology teaches us:

       

        • Too many buttons at once increases visual load

        • Deep, multi-step navigation increases working memory demands

        • Children with autism or language delays often experience overload much faster

        • Overload → frustration → behavioral challenges and meltdowns

      Why this matters:
      Many AACs are overwhelming — pages buried under pages, complex categories, inconsistent layouts. Kids get stuck, overloaded, and frustrated.

      How we applied this:
      Our interface intentionally removes unnecessary menus and keeps pathways short and predictable to prevent overload and meltdowns.

      3. Core Vocabulary: The Words That Do 80% of Communication

      Research across AAC studies shows:

         

          • Core vocabulary (about 200–300 words) forms 80–90% of what we say

          • Teaching core vocabulary leads to generalized communication, not memorized scripts

          • Children learn to create their own sentences, not just tap nouns

        How we applied this:
        Our device emphasizes high-frequency core words first, always available, always visible, always in the same place.

        This ensures children can express requests, comments, protests, questions, and emotional needs — not just label objects.

        4. Modeling (Aided Language Input): Adults must use the device too

        Research shows that AAC success skyrockets when adults model the use of AAC:

           

            • Children learn language by seeing it used around them

            • Repeated modeling creates patterns the child imitates

            • More modeling = faster vocabulary growth and more spontaneous language

          How we applied this:
          Our AAC is designed to be simple enough for parents, caregivers, and teachers to model naturally — no multi-page deep navigation that adults won’t actually use.

          5. Frustration Reduction = More Communication

          Studies in AAC & autism behavior consistently show:

             

              • When communication becomes easier, behaviors decrease

              • When children can express needs independently, meltdowns reduce

              • Predictable interfaces reduce emotional load as well as cognitive load

            How we applied this:
            We reduced unnecessary complexity so your child can say what they want before frustration escalates.

            6. Designed With Parents of Nonverbal Children

            Every member of our team has a child who needs AAC.
            We’ve lived the emotional struggle, the trial-and-error, the meltdowns, the late-night Google searches.

            And we’ve seen firsthand:

               

                • which AAC features help,

                • which ones overwhelm, and

                • why most devices are too complicated for real families.

              Our design choices come from research and lived experience.

              Why This AAC Works

              ✔ Built on the proven science of motor planning (LAMP-style consistency)
              ✔ Designed to reduce cognitive load and prevent overwhelm
              ✔ Core words front and center, not buried
              ✔ Fewer menus → less frustration
              ✔ Stable layouts → faster learning
              ✔ Evidence-based + parent-tested
              ✔ Created by parents who understand the struggle

              This isn’t just another AAC — it’s a communication system built on research, neuroscience, and compassion.

              Get Yours Today & Start Communicating