AI Prompts to Help Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal Autistic Kids Communicate

Prompt 1 — Create a personalized AAC vocabulary list

AAC devices and apps are only as useful as the vocabulary loaded into them. This prompt helps you generate a starter word list tailored to your child's daily life, interests, and needs — so you have something concrete to bring to your SLP.

Help me create a personalized AAC vocabulary list for my autistic child. My child is [age] years old, is [nonverbal/minimally verbal], and currently communicates by [describe current communication: pointing, leading by hand, using a device with limited words, etc.]. Their main interests are [list 3–5 interests]. Their daily routine includes [describe: school, meals, therapy, play]. Please generate a core vocabulary list of 40–60 words and a fringe vocabulary list of 20–30 topic-specific words that would help them express needs, make choices, and participate in daily life.

Prompt 2 — Write a communication passport

A communication passport is a one-page (or short) document that introduces your child to new teachers, therapists, substitute teachers, and caregivers. It tells them how your child communicates, what helps, and what to watch for — so your child doesn't have to start from zero every time.

Write a communication passport for my autistic child to share with new teachers, therapists, and caregivers. My child's name is [name], they are [age] years old. They are [nonverbal/minimally verbal] and communicate using [describe: AAC device, picture exchange, gestures, eye gaze, etc.]. They understand language at approximately a [level] level. Things that help them communicate: [describe]. Things that frustrate or shut them down: [describe]. Their favorite topics/interests: [list]. Key phrases or words they use and what they mean: [describe any idiosyncratic communication]. Please format this as a friendly, clear one-page document a new adult could read in 2 minutes.

Prompt 3 — Generate visual schedule descriptions for picture cards

Visual schedules are one of the most evidence-based supports for autistic children, but creating them takes time. This prompt gives you the text descriptions you need to find or create picture card images for each part of your child's day.

Help me create visual schedule descriptions I can use to make picture cards for my autistic child's daily routine. My child's name is [name], they are [age]. Their typical school day looks like: [describe the sequence of activities from wake-up to bedtime, including school, therapy, meals, and bedtime routine]. For each activity in the schedule, give me: (1) a short label in simple language (2–4 words), (2) a description of what the picture card should show, and (3) a simple one-sentence explanation I can say aloud when showing the card. Use clear, concrete language appropriate for a nonverbal child.

Prompt 4 — Draft talking points for an SLP meeting

Speech-language pathologist appointments can feel rushed, and it's hard to articulate everything you've noticed at home in 45 minutes. This prompt helps you organize your observations and prepare specific questions before you walk in the door.

Help me prepare for an upcoming meeting with my child's speech-language pathologist (SLP). My child is [age], is [nonverbal/minimally verbal], and currently receives [frequency] speech therapy. In the past [time period], I have noticed the following changes or concerns at home: [describe]. I want to ask about: [list your questions or concerns, e.g., expanding AAC vocabulary, getting an augmentative communication device, home practice strategies, progress toward current goals]. Please help me organize these into clear talking points and draft 5–8 specific questions I should ask during the meeting.

Prompt 5 — Create a 'what my child means when they...' guide

Nonverbal and minimally verbal children often develop their own communication signals that only people close to them understand. This guide helps family members, babysitters, and new caregivers understand what your child is actually saying.

Help me write a 'what my child means when they...' guide for family members and new caregivers. My child is autistic and [nonverbal/minimally verbal]. Here are some of the specific behaviors or signals my child uses and what I believe they mean: [list as many as you can, e.g., 'When they flap their hands and look at the door, they want to go outside' or 'When they bring you their cup, they're thirsty but may not say so']. Please format this as a clear, readable guide I can share with grandparents, babysitters, and school staff who don't know my child well. Include an introduction paragraph explaining that my child does communicate — just not always in obvious ways.

Prompt 6 — Generate communication-rich play activity ideas

Play is one of the most powerful contexts for building communication. When activities match your child's interests, they're far more motivated to engage — and communication opportunities increase naturally.

Generate a list of communication-rich play activity ideas for my autistic child who is [nonverbal/minimally verbal] and uses [AAC/picture exchange/gestures/etc.] to communicate. My child is [age] and their strongest interests are [list interests]. For each activity suggestion, include: (1) a brief description of the activity, (2) how to build in natural communication opportunities, (3) specific vocabulary words or AAC symbols to target during the activity, and (4) how to adapt it for a child with limited verbal output. Please give me 8–10 activity ideas.

Prompt 7 — Write a social story for a transition or difficult situation

Social stories help autistic children understand what to expect in situations that cause anxiety or confusion. A well-written social story, read repeatedly before the event, can significantly reduce distress.

Write a social story for my autistic child about [describe the specific transition or situation, e.g., starting at a new school, going to the dentist, getting a haircut, a fire drill at school]. My child is [age] and is [nonverbal/minimally verbal]. They currently understand language at approximately a [simple/moderate] level. The parts of this situation that seem hardest for them are: [describe what specifically upsets or confuses them]. Please write the social story in simple, present-tense sentences with clear, concrete descriptions. Keep sentences short (under 10 words if possible). Include what will happen, what they can do, and how they might feel — following the Carol Gray Social Story format.

Prompt 8 — Draft a school request for AAC support

Schools are required to provide communication supports as part of a free appropriate public education — but you often have to ask explicitly. This prompt helps you write a clear, professional request letter.

Help me write a formal letter to my child's school requesting additional communication support and/or an AAC device evaluation. My child is [name], [age], and attends [grade/school type]. They are currently [nonverbal/minimally verbal] and do not have [adequate AAC support / an AAC device / a communication system at school]. Their current IEP [does/does not] address communication. I am requesting: [list what you want, e.g., an AAC evaluation, funding for a specific device, a communication-focused IEP goal, additional SLP services]. Please write a professional, firm letter that references the legal right to communication supports under IDEA and requests a written response within 10 school days.

Prompt 9 — Create a low-tech home communication board

You don't need an expensive device to support communication at home. A well-designed low-tech communication board using printed pictures can be used at meals, during play, and throughout the day to give your child more ways to express themselves.

Help me create a low-tech picture communication board for my nonverbal autistic child to use at home. My child is [age] and communicates primarily by [pointing, leading, reaching, etc.]. The situations where we most need more communication support are: [describe, e.g., mealtimes, when they're upset, asking for help, bedtime]. Please generate: (1) a list of 20–30 vocabulary words to include on the board, organized by category (e.g., wants/needs, feelings, people, activities, food), (2) suggestions for how to organize the board visually, and (3) tips for how to teach my child to use the board at home without formal therapy. Keep everything in plain language.

Prompt 10 — Write a simple bedtime or routine script

Predictable scripts for transitions like bedtime, getting dressed, or leaving the house give nonverbal children something consistent to anchor to — even if they can't say the words yet, hearing the same sequence repeatedly builds understanding and reduces anxiety.

Help me write a simple, repetitive bedtime script I can use every night with my nonverbal autistic child to make the routine more predictable and calming. My child is [age]. Our current bedtime routine includes these steps in order: [list the steps, e.g., bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, reading, lights out]. Please write a short script I can say aloud — using simple, consistent language — as we move through each step. Keep sentences under 8 words. Use a calm, reassuring tone. Include a few natural pause moments where my child can respond in any way they choose (gesture, sound, eye contact). This should feel like a ritual, not a checklist.