New to this topic? Start with our companion article: Low-Tech Communication Books and PODD: A Brisbane Parent's Guide
A communication book is only as good as how often it gets opened. This article is about the daily-life bit — the routines, the school-day logistics, the getting-siblings-involved bit — rather than what a PODD is or why it's organised the way it is. (For that, start with Low-Tech Communication Books and PODD: A Brisbane Parent's Guide.)
If the book currently feels heavy, overwhelming, or like one more thing to remember, you're in good company. Here's how to make it a living part of your child's day instead of a beautiful binder sitting on a shelf.
A quick but important note before we go into the strategies: a PODD or low-tech book coming into your life should come with a PODD-trained speech pathologist alongside it. The sections below are a window into what that partnership looks like in practice — not a DIY manual. The book, the vocabulary, the navigation coaching, and the modelling practice all need tailoring to your specific child, and that's the work we do together.
Model on the Book (Not Just Ask Questions)
Modelling — pointing to symbols in the book while you talk — is the single biggest predictor of whether a communication book takes off. The full why-and-how lives in What Is Aided Language Stimulation? and How to Use Aided Language Stimulation at Home, so we won't repeat all of that here.
What's specific to a paper book is the page-turning. Unlike an SGD that keeps its home screen visible, a PODD requires you to physically navigate — and that navigation is part of what you're modelling. During breakfast, flip to "food" and point to "eat" and "more". During play, turn to "actions" for "go" and "stop". On a walk, open "describing" to comment "big" and "fast". Your child is learning where things live as much as they're learning what the symbols mean.
A good rule of thumb for book users specifically: model at least as much as you ask. If you're saying "show me" or "point to" more than you're actually using the book yourself, shift the balance. Across my years working in school settings, I've often seen children bloom with a communication book once the adults around them stopped testing and started simply commenting. And contrary to a worry parents raise constantly — modelling on a paper book doesn't hold a child's speech back. The evidence on that is covered in Speech Generating Devices: What They Are.
Embed It Into Daily Routines
Routines are the perfect place to weave the communication book in, because they're predictable and repetitive. Your child sees and hears the same vocabulary over and over, which builds understanding and confidence.
In sessions, a speech pathologist will usually help you pick one or two routines to start with — maybe mealtimes, maybe the bedtime story — and work out which pages and words fit naturally into those moments. The routines themselves (dinner, bath, the car ride home) aren't the interesting bit. The interesting bit is the way the book is layered in, how often, and with which vocabulary — and that's what a PODD-trained therapist will tailor for your child.
Getting Siblings and Peers Involved
Other children are often the fastest learners when it comes to communication books. They pick up navigation quickly and are naturally motivated to communicate with their friend or sibling.
- Show your other children how to find key words in the book
- Encourage them to use the book during play
- Make it a normal part of family life — "Let's see what [child's name] wants to play. Let's check the book!"
Peer modelling is incredibly powerful. When your child sees other kids using their book, it sends a clear message: this is a real way to communicate, and it's valued. Siblings and classmates often become the most enthusiastic communication partners, flipping through the book with a speed and confidence that inspires the child who owns it.
Keep Going — It Gets Easier
Like any new skill, using a communication book takes time to feel natural. The first few weeks can feel clunky, but it genuinely does get easier. And the payoff — seeing your child express themselves, make choices, share their thoughts, and connect with people — is extraordinary.
Need a Hand?
Whether you're just starting with a communication book or troubleshooting one that isn't getting used, we can help. We provide hands-on training for families across Brisbane's south side and Logan — at your kitchen table, during your child's everyday routines, wherever the book needs to come to life at home. Get in touch to book a session or have a chat about what your child needs. Any actual clinical work — assessment, diagnosis, or therapy — happens through a proper consultation tailored to your child.
References
- Porter, G., & Cafiero, J. M. (2009). Pragmatic Organisation Dynamic Display (PODD) communication books: A promising practice for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Perspectives on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 18(4), 144–157.
- Binger, C., & Light, J. (2007). The effect of aided AAC modelling on the expression of multi-symbol messages by preschoolers who use AAC. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 23(1), 30–43.
- Speech Pathology Australia. (2020). Augmentative and alternative communication clinical guidelines. Speech Pathology Australia.
Alexandra Bouwmeester is a Senior Speech Pathologist (MSPA, CPSP) with over 14 years' experience and specialist PODD training. She offers mobile speech pathology to families across Brisbane's south side and Logan to bring communication books to life.
