Meet Asher
Asher is a five-year-old autistic boy who is non-speaking and uses Grid to support his communication. His mum, Rita, shared their journey with us; from discovering AAC for the first time, to how Grid has become part of Asher’s everyday life. With support from their speech therapist, Asher now uses Grid for iPad on his Talk Pad at home, in school, and in the community.
When did you first start exploring AAC for Asher? What led you to Grid?
I first discovered AAC on social media and quickly began exploring it for Asher. I tried out a few different apps, and while Asher responded with smiles and by pressing buttons, something didn’t quite click. It felt like something was missing.
That changed when our speech therapist recommended we try Grid. After just two weeks with it, everything started to fall into place.
Suddenly, Asher had access to a system that made sense, for him and for us. From that moment on, there was no turning back. Grid became his voice.
Before AAC, so much of Asher was hidden. We guessed, we hoped, we tried to interpret his needs, and sometimes we got it right but sometimes we didn’t, and that led to frustration for all of us. Grid has opened a door.
“I can now see Asher’s joy when he introduces himself. I see him giggle when he presses a funny button. I see his confidence growing. Meltdowns have reduced. His mental health is thriving. Our connection is stronger and richer. AAC hasn’t blocked speech – it’s built a bridge to it. It has given Asher the power to be heard. And for me, it has given the gift of truly knowing my son.”
Rita, Asher’s mother
What was the journey like getting started with AAC?
Starting with AAC wasn’t always easy. I had to learn how to use the device myself, how to model communication, and how to weave it into Asher’s daily routines. It was a process of trial and error, but with the help of our wonderful speech therapist, we stuck with it.
Slowly, we began to see Asher engage more purposefully; choosing symbols, sharing smiles, and making clear selections. Each small step felt like a breakthrough. It took patience, but the impact has been incredibly powerful.
How does Asher use Grid in everyday life – at home, school or when out in the community?
AAC is now part of Asher’s everyday world and his iPad is always nearby:
- In the mornings, he chooses his breakfast.
- At school, he uses it to greet teachers and classmates, ask questions, and share thoughts and feelings.
- At home, he makes choices, learns new things, and expresses emotions – whether he’s playing or relaxing.
How has our Super Core grid set supported Asher?
The Super Core grid set in Grid has been key to Asher’s growth. The consistent vocabulary and intuitive layout have supported his ability to express himself confidently and independently.
Some of Asher’s favourite pages include:
- The Play section, especially for requesting bubbles and play-doh – supporting both language and regulation
- The People page, where he finds Mama, Dada, his sister, grandparents
- The “I want a hug” page – he’s incredibly affectionate!
- The Topics section, especially the sounds page – he loves the scream button and laughs every time
- The whiteboard feature – he uses it to draw, spell, scribble, and write “Mama.” It’s a beautiful, open-ended space for expression.
- And his absolute favourite? Chocolate mousse – no one had to teach him how to find that!
Asher also loves numbers. He uses Grid for skip counting, odd and even numbers, and arranging numbers in order. It’s helped support both his learning and his love of maths.
How do you see Asher’s communication evolving in the future?
Since starting with Grid AAC, Asher is more engaged, expressive, and confident. There are fewer meltdowns, more joy, and so much more connection. Grid hasn’t just changed how Asher communicates; it’s helped me see who he truly is.
I see Asher’s communication continuing to grow, not just in vocabulary, but in confidence and independence. I imagine him using AAC to express more complex thoughts, build social connections, and take part in more conversations across different settings. He’s finding his voice, and now the world can truly get to know him.
What advice would you give to other parents starting out with AAC, or thinking about trying Grid?
If you’re just beginning with AAC, here’s what I’d share:
- Be patient. Progress takes time. Every small step counts.
- Model, model, model. Use it in daily routines and real-life situations.
- Make it fun. Add favourite things, whether it’s dinosaurs, cars, or a favourite snack. Let it feel like theirs.
- Celebrate the little moments. A smile, a look, a press; they’re all part of the connection.
- Be consistent. Use it beyond therapy. Make AAC part of everyday life.
- Communication might look different, but it is just as powerful. You’re giving your child a voice. Keep going, it’s worth it.
Thank you to Rita, Asher’s mum, for sharing her story with us. If you’d like to tell us about your own experience with AAC, we’d love to hear from you – please get in touch at [email protected]
We recognise that autistic people have a preference for different terminology to describe themselves and autism. We have used a variety of terms, yet acknowledge that the language used may not reflect everyone’s views or own identity. As always, we are committed to representing our users’ preferences, and welcome feedback.
