My Child Isn’t Using VOIS Yet. What Should I Do?
This is a common question when AAC is new. VOIS is not a light-switch moment, and every child can respond differently when a new communication system is introduced.
Give It Time
Some children are immediately curious and explore the board. Others may ignore it, push it away or try to use the device for something familiar. None of those reactions tell you, on their own, whether VOIS will be useful.
Keep Modelling Without Forcing
Use VOIS during familiar moments and show your child what a word means. They do not need to copy you or press a button every time. If they are not interested in that moment, try again later rather than turning it into a battle.
Recognise Early Progress
Early progress may simply be looking at the board, tolerating the device nearby, watching you use it or beginning to recognise a familiar picture. Communication development does not look the same for every child.
Respond to Every Form of Communication
Continue to respond to pointing, gestures, sounds, facial expressions, signs, speech and VOIS. The goal is communication, not a particular method.