With the holidays coming up, we wanted to share this helpful resource for families to use at their holiday dinner tables! This AAC core vocab placemat is perfect for helping with picky eating and giving kids autonomy when trying new foods. This resource is intended for use as a placemat for individuals who use alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), as a way to communicate when they are eating and may not have quick access to their communication device. It’s also great for children who have limited speech skills or who may be picky eaters and are shy to communicate their wants and needs a the table.
Using an AAC device for picky eaters during the holidays can be incredibly beneficial in creating a more inclusive and stress-free dining experience. Holiday gatherings often bring a variety of foods that may feel overwhelming or unfamiliar, especially for children with sensory sensitivities or food aversions. AAC devices and resources, like the placemat, enable children to express their preferences, dislikes, and food choices in a clear, non-verbal way, reducing frustration and misunderstandings at the table. By using AAC to indicate specific foods they want to try or avoid, children can actively participate in the meal selection, promoting a sense of control and independence. Furthermore, AAC can foster better communication between the child and other family members, allowing everyone to understand the child’s needs and preferences, which can lead to a more positive, supportive dining environment. Overall, AAC use during holiday meals can help reduce anxiety for picky eaters and encourage them to feel more comfortable exploring new foods in a low-pressure, communicative way.
You can use the placemat during mealtimes by printing it out (you can also laminate it to make it easier to wipe down) and placing the bowl/plate onto it in the labeled circle. This way the individual can see the prompts and symbols while eating! You can download the directions and placemat here!
Resource courtesy of JennaZtheSLP via Teachers Pay Teachers
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