Teaching your autistic child to say 'all done' with AAC

Why 'all done' is so hard for autistic children

Autistic children often struggle with transitions because their brains process change differently. When an activity ends abruptly, it can feel like someone suddenly turned off their favourite song mid-chorus.

Many autistic children also have interoception differences, meaning they don't always recognise when they're feeling 'done' with something. Research shows that up to 80% of autistic individuals have interoceptive challenges. They might feel overwhelmed but not understand why, or feel perfectly content when you think they should be tired.

For children using AAC devices like Avaz, 'all done' becomes even more crucial. It's often one of the first phrases that gives them real control over their environment. Instead of having things happen TO them, they can make things happen.

The phrase 'all done' also serves multiple functions. It can mean 'I'm finished eating', 'I want to stop this activity', 'This is too much for me right now', or 'I'm ready to move on'. That's a lot of communication power in two simple words.

What works in the moment

1. Model 'all done' constantly yourself. Say it when you finish your tea, close a book, or turn off the TV. Children learn through repetition and seeing the phrase used naturally.
2. Create obvious 'all done' moments during preferred activities. Let them play with bubbles until the bottle is empty, then immediately model 'bubbles all done' on their device. They'll connect the phrase with the natural ending.
3. Use the phrase right before transitions. Say 'blocks all done, dinner time' while helping them press the buttons on their AAC device. The timing matters more than perfection.
4. Pair 'all done' with a consistent gesture. Hands up, palms out works well. Many children will use the gesture before they master the AAC buttons, and that's still communication.
5. Let them be 'all done' with non-preferred activities quickly at first. If they attempt 'all done' during homework, honour it immediately (even if they only wrote one letter). You're teaching them the phrase works.
6. Celebrate any attempt, even if it's wrong. If they say 'all done' when they want more chips, acknowledge it: 'You said all done! You want more chips. Let's say more.' Then model the correct phrase.
7. Use visual supports alongside the phrase. A picture schedule showing 'first blocks, then all done blocks, then dinner' helps them understand the sequence.
8. Make sure 'all done' leads to something predictable. If saying 'all done' to food means leaving the table, be consistent. Unpredictable outcomes make children stop trying to communicate.

Teach it ahead of time

Social stories work because they let autistic children rehearse communication and social situations in their minds before they happen. The predictability reduces anxiety and helps them remember what to do when emotions are running high.

Create a simple social story with photos of your child doing different activities: 'When I am done playing, I can say all done. When I say all done, I put my toys away. Saying all done helps people understand me.' Read it together during calm moments, not right before you need them to use the phrase.

What NOT to do

• Don't force them to say 'all done' when they're already melting down. A child in fight-or-flight mode can't access language skills.
• Don't ignore their attempts at 'all done' because it's inconvenient. If they say it during their favourite activity, acknowledge it even if you negotiate one more minute.
• Don't expect them to use it perfectly right away. They might say 'all done' when they mean 'help' or 'more' at first.
• Don't only teach it during non-preferred activities. They need to learn it works for everything, not just things they want to escape.
• Don't assume they understand 'finished' means the same thing. Stick to consistent vocabulary until the concept is solid.

You're building their voice

Teaching 'all done' isn't just about avoiding meltdowns, though that's a welcome side effect. You're giving your child one of their first tools for self-advocacy. Every time they successfully communicate 'all done' and you respond appropriately, you're showing them their voice matters.

Your child is doing their best to communicate with the tools they have. You're doing your best to give them better tools. Some days will be harder than others, but every small step forward is worth celebrating.

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